Hey guys, I was getting ready to start CT’s Build for Bad circuit as the mix of strength and endurance intrigues me (I’m an infantrymen in the army). I see it calls for a dead squat, but can’t for the life of me figure out what it is. I looked online and see that its a type of hex bar equipment variation, or a squat from the negative position as a start point. Its bad enough looking like the retard asking this question so can anyone throw some advice my way. Thanks
The dead squat is using the dead squat bar from the T-Nation store. This is a very upscale speciality bar that is between a deadlift and a squat. The only thing similar is a trap bar, although honestly I only say this as something for you to relate to, because comparing the dead squat bar to a regular trap bar is an insult to the dead squat bar and should require a fine and time in the slammer. : )
Thanks for the help. So in built for bad when it says dead squat, that is performing deadlift using tnations dead squat bar? Thanks again
That is correct. Just think of the dead squat as a hybrid exercise between a deadlift and a squat.
However, a large trap bar will work fine–I’ve been doing them with one for quite some time; working as high as 500lbs. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that the T-Nation dead/squat bar is MUCH more versatile and superior for this movement. The main problem I encounter while using a trap bar once I get over about 405 lbs. is balance–you have to get your hand placement on the handles just right or the trap bar wants to tilt forward or backward. In other words, a trap bar is not optimally balanced for the dead/squat.
Crowbar
[quote]crowbar46 wrote:
However, a large trap bar will work fine–I’ve been doing them with one for quite some time; working as high as 500lbs. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that the T-Nation dead/squat bar is MUCH more versatile and superior for this movement. The main problem I encounter while using a trap bar once I get over about 405 lbs. is balance–you have to get your hand placement on the handles just right or the trap bar wants to tilt forward or backward. In other words, a trap bar is not optimally balanced for the dead/squat.
Crowbar[/quote]
Correct. The Dead-Squat bar was designed by Tim Patterson and I helped with the design for the handle angle. It’s VERY high quality and perfectly balanced making it much easier to find the proper grip.
A Dead-Squat/Trap bar deadlift is a good combination of squats and deads, IF you do it with an upright torso and the hips starting right around knee high, or just above and then lifting with the legs (not letting the butt raise too fast). It will have most of the benefits (muscle-building wise) of the squat and deadlift.