Overhead Squats

[ONDraft]

Im starting to do overhead squats in my leg routine. But i dont know where to start. I can barely do the bar(55lb) twice. I never imagined it`d be as hard as it is. How should I start so I can move myway up and put on more weight??

[Eric3237]

Start with a broomstick and concentrate on keeping it up and working on the flexibility and balance. Once you can get the numbers up like that you should be able to handle the bar a little easier but if not find something similar and a little heavier. Even a 2x4 can be useful in this.

I've tried it and I know it is incredibly demanding. It shifts your center of gravity way up high so the demands on the core are tremedous. Your body wants to shift forward so your fighting that not to mention the stabibility, flexibitlity, and stength required just to hold something overhead let alone squat with it. You will see people letting the bar go behind the head somewhat which I'm sure helps although I don't know how safe or advisable that is.

BTW, it would stand to reason that some overhead static holds would greatly benefit you. It's much different holding something overhead then it is to press it overhead. I would recommend, when you can, to use dumbells overhead and actually try to walk around with them. You'll want also to try the static holds at the bottom position which may be even more important. You'll find that doing it in the bottom position is a VERY different animal than in the finish or extended position and flexibility is more an issue here.

The way to look at it, obviously, is as a way to strengthen the core and thus all the benefits that brings. It's not a way to get your legs huge, lol.