machines

obi604

Hi

there are 2 new machines in my gym

1. https://primalstrength.com/machines/iso-plate-loaded/alpha-commercial-fitness-elite-iso-hack-v-squat

You can do 2 exercises here,

1a. Put your back against the pad and perform the exercise
1b. Face towards the pad and perform the exercise

2. https://primalstrength.com/machines/iso-plate-loaded/primal-strength-commercial-v2-belt-squat-machine

This is a belt squat machine.


3 exercises above. 1a, 1b and 2.

Of these 3, which are most closely linked to your standard old school barbell squat and barbell deadlift?

(I know the barbell version is king, am just wondering which of the above exercises links with dead lift and squat)

obi604

B Rabbit

All 3 resemble the squat more so than a deadlift. No real hip hinge movement in any of them

Alf Veedersane

The hack squat and belt squat machines will be mostly useful for squat but by strengthening lower body muscles, it's not like the deadlift wouldn't necessarily benefit.

obi604

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

The hack squat and belt squat machines will be mostly useful for squat but by strengthening lower body muscles, it's not like the deadlift wouldn't necessarily benefit.

In regard to below, what does 1a target V 1b?


1. https://primalstrength...ite-iso-hack-v-squat

You can do 2 exercises here,

1a. Put your back against the pad and perform the exercise
1b. Face towards the pad and perform the exercise

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

In regard to below, what does 1a target V 1b?


1. https://primalstrength...ite-iso-hack-v-squat

You can do 2 exercises here,

1a. Put your back against the pad and perform the exercise
1b. Face towards the pad and perform the exercise

Probably slightly different focus on the quads, glutes and hamstrings in the same way as you can change focus by foot placement with leg press.

obi604

So the thing is, I have a bad back. Have had it for years.

When I squatted in the past, it made the back pain worse and ended up putting me out of action.

What can I do instead of a squat to not risk messing up my back?

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

What can I do instead of a squat to not risk messing up my back?

I'd ask a physio. I don't know the limitations of what you can do.

obi604

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

I'd ask a physio. I don't know the limitations of what you can do.

Thanks. In general though and roughly speaking, what other squat type exercises are easier on the back?

Dtp1979

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. In general though and roughly speaking, what other squat type exercises are easier on the back?

What’s easy for someone else’s back, might not be as easy for you.

atilladehun

Dtp1979 wrote: »

What’s easy for someone else’s back, might not be as easy for you.

I second this. I've a flat thoracic spine and only through exploration with a good trainer who observes me through the most remedial variations of exercises have we found movements that don't exacerbate pain. In this way I've been able to develop strength.

There's plenty of ways to do rows for example, some cause me pain others don't.

obi604

obi604 wrote: »

Hi

there are 2 new machines in my gym

1. https://primalstrength.com/machines/iso-plate-loaded/alpha-commercial-fitness-elite-iso-hack-v-squat

You can do 2 exercises here,

1a. Put your back against the pad and perform the exercise
1b. Face towards the pad and perform the exercise

Which one of the above 2 would most resemble the ‘front squat’. Presume 1b

Alf Veedersane

Unless you're looking to improve your front squat, it won't hugely matter which resembles a front squat best.

If your back is the issue, hack squat with your back to the pad will likely pose lowest risk.

Mellor

obi604 wrote: »

In regard to below, what does 1a target V 1b?

They are both essentially the same exercise. But back to the gives you a fw options that facing the pad doesn't.

Neither is like a front squat.

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. In general though and roughly speaking, what other squat type exercises are easier on the back?

Belt squat doesn't load the spine. I'd go with that if I had back issues.

obi604

Mellor wrote: »

They are both essentially the same exercise. But back to the gives you a fw options that facing the pad doesn't.

Neither is like a front squat.

Belt squat doesn't load the spine. I'd go with that if I had back issues.

Thanks. What is ‘fw’ from above?

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. What is ‘fw’ from above?

few

Mellor

As above. A few extra options if you face forward. Like placing your feet way out in front and making it sort of low-bar-ish.
But standing upright (as you should be), it's not really any different which way you face

obi604

Mellor wrote: »

As above. A few extra options if you face forward. Like placing your feet way out in front and making it sort of low-bar-ish.
But standing upright (as you should be), it's not really any different which way you face

Doh. Thought it meant forwards or something.

Another q. The ‘landmine squat’ as in the below video — is this an alternative to the standard barbell front squat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ6XnlQ3yBU

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

Doh. Thought it meant forwards or something.

Another q. The ‘landmine squat’ as in the below video — is this an alternative to the standard barbell front squat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ6XnlQ3yBU

It's a squatting exercise and it's an alternative to barbell squat insofar as you're squatting with a load in front. But that's as far as it extends. It's not really comparable.

If you can't do barbell squats, then use what's at your disposal to do what you can. You don't need to find the best non-barbell alternative. You can use one for 4-6 weeks and then use another alternative.

obi604

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

It's a squatting exercise and it's an alternative to barbell squat insofar as you're squatting with a load in front. But that's as far as it extends. It's not really comparable.

If you can't do barbell squats, then use what's at your disposal to do what you can. You don't need to find the best non-barbell alternative. You can use one for 4-6 weeks and then use another alternative.

Thanks. Any ideas ?

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. Any ideas ?

Any of the machines in your gym you mentioned.

obi604

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

It's a squatting exercise and it's an alternative to barbell squat insofar as you're squatting with a load in front. But that's as far as it extends. It's not really comparable.

If you can't do barbell squats, then use what's at your disposal to do what you can. You don't need to find the best non-barbell alternative. You can use one for 4-6 weeks and then use another alternative.

Hey. I didn’t mean if it was comparable to the standard barbell squat on the back. Meant is it comparable to the FRONT barbell squat?

Alf Veedersane

obi604 wrote: »

Hey. I didn’t mean if it was comparable to the standard barbell squat on the back. Meant is it comparable to the FRONT barbell squat?

I know you meant thst. Hence the reference to squatting with a load in front. Not really comparable but it's not hugely relevant if you're not training to build a front squat.