Basic Squat question...

[robousy]

Ok - pretty basic question...

I try and use free weights for pretty much all my exercises as I know this is better.

The one place I definitely can't is squats.
You see, it is not the mass the screws me up....its a real pain on my shoulders, I mean, really painful.

So - I use the squat machines as they have the nice cushion thing going on.

Now, I am guessing that this is better than nothing, but would you say that the machine was:

a)Slightly...
b)Medium...
c)Vastly...

Inferior to doing it with the barbell on your shoulders.


THANKS!

 

[DOMS]

If the bar hurts your shoulders, try the Manta.

Don't forget to shop around for a good price.

 

[robousy]

interesting....thks.

 

[DOMS]

Glad I could help. It's on my list of things to get. Right after a new squat rack.

 

[Cardinal]

Yeah a manta ray feels pretty good. Keep in mind it can also significantly change your leverage though. If you have big shoulders, get a big manta ray. The little thing they have at my gym must be meant for a 10 year old girl.

You probably aren't putting the bar low enough. Keep it really low on your back. It should rest on a pad of muscle tissue and feel just fine. If you must, try a pad. Just remember that it can slip off a bit easier if you use one.

 

[Squaggleboggin]

You probably aren't putting the bar low enough. Keep it really low on your back. It should rest on a pad of muscle tissue and feel just fine. If you must, try a pad. Just remember that it can slip off a bit easier if you use one.

I agree. I used to put towels on the back of my neck to pad it, but I realized that the bar just wasn't low enough.

 

[Duncans Donuts]

The manta ray is fan-friggin-tastic.

 

[reg56]

The manta ray is fan-friggin-tastic.

lol so random

 

[ihateschoolmt]

lol so random

That's what they were talking about the whole thread.

 

[tjwes]

Rest the bar right on the top of the rear delts.........the traps and rear delts form a natural cradle that will hold and cushion the bar.

You probably have the bar too high on your shoulders.

You are missing out on a lot of benefits by not squatting.

 

[cappo5150]

Just use a towel, you wont have to spend any money.

 

[reg56]

That's what they were talking about the whole thread.

I know, but "fan-friggin-tastic" ?

 

[Dale Mabry]

I have the Sting Ray and it is great, it's for front squats.

I would say the machine is vastly inferior to regular squats to answer the initial question.

 

[P-funk]

I have the Sting Ray and it is great, it's for front squats.

I would say the machine is vastly inferior to regular squats to answer the initial question.

got a pictureo f the sting ray? I have never seen one.

 

[Squaggleboggin]

got a pictureo f the sting ray? I have never seen one.

If you click on the link for the manta ray above, you can get to it right from that page.

 

[P-funk]

thanks.


that doesn't look very comfortable at all.

 

[KarlW]

What's wrong with just using a towel folded over?

 

[DOMS]

Loss of traction.

 

[Dale Mabry]

thanks.


that doesn't look very comfortable at all.

Actually works quite well. The middle is basically just a big plastic string, it is not solid.

 

[P-funk]

Actually works quite well. The middle is basically just a big plastic string, it is not solid.

I thought you train olympic lifts? Aren't you squating rack position anyway?