Overhead squats?!

[Alanis86]

OKAY so for a really long time I thought I had to be able to perfectly do a snatch to then do an overhead squat.
Then I was watching some videos from t-nation whilst I was bored at work and WHAT DID I SEE?! Some big men doing overhead squats from a squat rack. They just set it up high as if they are doing military presses! SO now I want to try this (I epic failed at learning snatches) and I was just wondering if anyone does/has attempted to do these? They looked uber fun/hard.

[Nic902]

I've never done them, but I would probably give the squat rack a try!

[viridian]

VERY difficult.

It will take you AWHILE to get perfect form down and then to strengthen your shoulders enough to do an acceptable weight.


But, dont let that discourage you! Just start light and expect to be humbled. Be SURE to use a safety catch or a rack!!! And preferably have someone who knows what theyre doing help with your form.

[viridian]

Oh, i use OH squats in my warmup, using a 20lb barbell (the day after shoulders) for 8 reps (long slow) and then a 30 or 40lb depending on my shoulders. Before an upperbody/shoulder day, Ill use 30/40lbs for warmup and go up accordling, depending on their fatigue. But, i've been doing OH squats since January. Took me forever to get where 40lbs for 8 reps feels like absolutely NOTHIN

(Besides adding them heavily into my program every few months.)

[Alanis86]

Thanks Viridian!! I'll leave my ego at the door and start out as light as I can! At least I've got really good flexibility on my side!

[sneezingstardust]

I can only do these with 55 lbs. But I like to keep my form!! And I can't really go high-rep on these either, unless I use a lighter weight, heh.

[viridian]

The last time I did OH squats in my training program (not just as a warm up) I managed 55lbs x 12... three sets (lowered weight by 5lbs each set to hit 10+ reps)

Theyre tough.Im honestly afraid to try them in a low rep set for the simple fact that I realllly dont wanna hurt my shoulders! Need a spot lol