Squats without using a bar?
 

Does anyone know any other possible ways of doing squats without using a bar but with the same effectiveness. Would holding 2 heavy dumbells each side of your body be worth trying?

Does the bar hurt your neck? I had that problem back when I used to lift. You can wrap a towel around the bar then place it on your back so it makes it a lot softer. They also make a thing that is made for this with padding, but the towel worked just as well.

Yea it does put quite a bit of pain in my neck, I had a pretty bad experience squatting with a bar aswel so if there is any alternative I could try other than using a bar that would be perfect, I'd probably go back to using a bar eventually, maybe I just don't have the correct technique for using a bar just yet because I'm always hurting when I do them.

leg press or hack squat machines.

I'd have to see if my local gym have that equipment, I haven't been there in a while because I remember it not having many machines, I just try use my own equipment as much as I can these days. The next gym is 2 - 3 hours drive away ..

Thanks for the vids WarChild

This looks like what you are looking for. He is holding 2 dumbells in two hands instead of one barbell. Good luck. :thumbsup

Here's one of my favourite body weight only leg exercises. It's pretty tough to do at first but great for balance too.

I agree with fatfoo. It's worth trying to hold 2 heavy dumbbells each side of your body. The strong guy from the video has ripped muscles. Also, the right body fat % (ex. 8-12%) would make your big muscles look great. Do the right number of reps and sets. It probably makes sense to work out 2 days a week or 3 days a week.

It would. But what are you going to do when you become stronger? 200 lbs on full squats is not that much.

I should also add the bar should not be on your neck. It sounds like you need more flexibility. It should go lower across the top of the back.

Try Hindu bodyweight squats. It's all about form and reps, and it will destroy you.

Sounds like you have the bar too high on the neck, You should be able to roll the bar down a bit until you find the correct place for it. Having a well developed back also helps cushion the bar a little. You can hold the barbells for squats but may be difficult to hold if you are using 100lb ones or more.

Have you ever tried using the Smith machine? That's what I use...

Use a seated leg press machine.

I knew u loved man ass.... u can always spot them in a crowd

change your name to man ass child

should get used to it on back of neck after a while - its not uncumfy at all tbh

can do em with dumbells but obv the weight is harder to hold than rested on back. can always do one legged with dumbell squats though.