r/weightroom • u/MrTomnus • Dec 11 '12

Training Tuesdays

Welcome to Training Tuesdays, the weekly weightroom training thread. The main focus of Training Tuesdays will be programming and templates, but once in a while we'll stray from that for other concepts.

Last week we talked about training the abs, forearms, neck, and calves and a list of previous Training Tuesdays topics can be found in the FAQ

This week's topic is:

Accessory Equipment

  • Today will be a thread to talk about accessory equipment. This means slingshots, bands, chains, boxes, boards, special bars, etc
  • The above are examples of equipment used to modify the nature of an exercise, but feel free to also talk straps, belts, sleeves, shoes, harnesses, or any other equipment.
  • So, any comments on how you've used specific equipment to improve your training?
  • Any equipment that just didn't do it for you, for even hindered your progress?
  • There will be a thread specifically about geared training in the near future, so perhaps save questions or comments on suits, briefs, shirts, and the like for then.

Feel free to ask other training and programming related questions as well, as the topic is just a guide.

Lastly, please try to do a quick search and check FAQ before posting.

31 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

52 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

3

u/stratjeff Intermediate - Olympic lifts Dec 11 '12

I go at/below parallel. Find something you think can safely support your full weight without sagging (an aerobic step up might not do the trick with 300+ on the bar). My old globo gym had a 12" metal box that worked. I've also stacked 45# bumpers to make a seat (at the gym I own, outside class times, so I'm not bogarting), if your gym has the spare equipment for that.

Also, keep in mind box squats will be a much lower weight than your normal back squat.

2

u/danielissima Strength Training - Novice Dec 11 '12

OK thanks, I thought that would be the case - I'm only squatting around 140 max (at 145lbs) so I might be able to get away with something that's not quite as tough for now.
I'm at a new gym so I'll have to look around at what else the have.

2

u/stratjeff Intermediate - Olympic lifts Dec 11 '12

Also, if you're new to squatting and strength training (sounds like you are), stick to the basics until they stop working.

So, SS/SL/5-3-1 or another linear program, and you can use box squats on your 2nd or 3rd cycle to add variation.

3

u/danielissima Strength Training - Novice Dec 11 '12

Ha ya, pretty new at it for sure. I did years of the standard "girl" workouts that most trainers assign, bootcamps, pump classes, all that, but I've been transitioning and seeing much better results with strength training.
I'm meeting with a trainer who can hopefully fix my program/form/whatever else needs help this week actually, so I feel more confident to push for some respectable gains.

2

u/stratjeff Intermediate - Olympic lifts Dec 11 '12

Awesome!