Normal Squat V Jump Squats

from_atozinc

Hi

I have been doing normal squats for over a year now and go from 60-100 KG. (nothing special but there ya go)
When I say normal squats, I mean load up a barbell, place it on my traps and squat down as low as I can etc.

for the last month or so, I have been doing body weight jump squats i.e no weights at all.

I find the body weight jump squats to be very good, my legs feel stronger after doing these and it seems to work me more, I feel more tired after them.

I know the barbell squat is one of the core exercises and everyone harps on about it.

What do people think of the standard barbell squat V body weight jump squats?

Alf Veedersane

Depends what you want to train for.

Jump squats can be a useful accessory, in some instances, but not a replacement for weighted squats because they're highly unlikely to make you stronger than weighted squats

Transform

its a useful addition to a training program but all training programs should have some power elements to it.

Heres a few ideas here that might be worth incorporating into a program but they really should be there already if its a well structured program (as should deadlifts, lunges, step ups, pull ups, dips, core work, focused mobility etc) -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L98D-lAc-lw

from_atozinc

Thanks for replies.
In regard to the bodyweight jump squats -- >> when you squat down, how low should you go, I see some guidelines say just go with your thighs parallel to the ground.

or should they be done in the format of a barbell squat, where you do the "ass to the grass" scenario?

Transform

from_atozinc wrote: »

Thanks for replies.
In regard to the bodyweight jump squats -- >> when you squat down, how low should you go, I see some guidelines say just go with your thighs parallel to the ground.

or should they be done in the format of a barbell squat, where you do the "ass to the grass" scenario?

Try both, variability is important but not as important as intent when it comes to developing power

MightyMandarin

All I can think of from this exercise is 'RIP my knees'...

I think they're a decent accessory at the end, just like people like doing jumps and stuff at the end. I've seen some weightlifters do them with very light weight for a few sets at the beginning and end of a session in some videos, but tbh there's nothing better than front, back or overhead squats imo, so they should never replace them.

from_atozinc

MightyMandarin wrote: »

All I can think of from this exercise is 'RIP my knees'...

I think they're a decent accessory at the end, just like people like doing jumps and stuff at the end. I've seen some weightlifters do them with very light weight for a few sets at the beginning and end of a session in some videos, but tbh there's nothing better than front, back or overhead squats imo, so they should never replace them.

Thanks. understood. I find weighted squats hard enough on my knees too though.

Nervous Wreck

Weighted jump squats as an accessory is great and an absolute killer.

from_atozinc

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

Weighted jump squats as an accessory is great and an absolute killer.

I can imagine, sounds very hard

Reps4jesus

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

Weighted jump squats as an accessory is great and an absolute killer.

I agree with this. I think weighted jump squats are great. i alternate between a barbell and trap bar for these and defo think they improve my power for squats

Alf Veedersane

Reps4jesus wrote: »

I agree with this. I think weighted jump squats are great. i alternate between a barbell and trap bar for these and defo think they improve my power for squats

Makes sense. Since I've just tried driving out of the hole on squats as if I wanted to do a jump squat, it's helped with power.

There was a bee-bawl team training last night doing squat jumps with a trap bar, as it happens.

Nervous Wreck

I just use a kettle bell. Don't have to worry about bar position or stability etc.

from_atozinc

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

I just use a kettle bell. Don't have to worry about bar position or stability etc.

Where do you hold the kettle bell. Just one at chest height. Or one in each hand.

Nervous Wreck

from_atozinc wrote: »

Where do you hold the kettle bell. Just one at chest height. Or one in each hand.

As though you're getting ready for a swing.