OverHead Barbell Squat

**Rod-Steel** · 18-01-2012 10:24 AM

In my new training plan i train shoulders and legs together.
Im looking at introducing the Overhead Squat tonight, does anyone else do this?
From looking around, many people find it difficult.

**dope540** · 18-01-2012 10:27 AM

i love this. does require full body mobility and stability from ankles to shoulders.

be prepared to be humbled though. many see bw ohs as a major milestone.

**Rod-Steel** · 18-01-2012 10:35 AM

Am i correct in believing it will be an excellent exercise to improve overall stength, especially in the core?

**SpiderDan** · 18-01-2012 11:59 AM

You'll probably get some decent core work out of it and maybe some help in joint stability which may carry over to other types of squat but realistically.

Your legs will be doing alot less work than they are capable of.
You could achieve the same shoulder work by just push pressing the weight over head and holding it.
Unless you're already super mobile in the shoulders, thoracic spine, hips and ankles it will take you quite a long time to build that mobility to do the exercise correctly.

in my opinion its a great assessment tool but as for actually building strength im not so sure

**dope540** · 18-01-2012 02:15 PM

i get some wicked shoulder doms diong these. mainly a farting about lift for when i'm in my deload weeks or rushed for time, i go to these as i power snatch it or clean and jerk it. making it full body.

**hailtotheking** · 18-01-2012 02:40 PM

Unless you are a pro Oly lifter with years of practice, and you have the facilities (i.e a proper lifting platform) to safely dump the bar from height if it goes wrong, most people will never be able to safely get a decent weight going with this movement to stimulate much growth.

It is however brilliant as a warm up exercise with a lighter weight, or even just an empty bar, stick or stretch band.

**Rod-Steel** · 18-01-2012 02:50 PM

I am not looking for big amounts of muscle growth with it, i was just looking at it as a good core strength exercise!
Maybe if i did overhead squat first as a warm up before going on the leg press?

**badly_dubbed** · 18-01-2012 02:53 PM

why not just squat? instant core strength....

**Rod-Steel** · 19-01-2012 09:11 AM

I attempted the overhead squat yesterday. All i can say is LOL for *****s sake!
I walked over to the squat rack, placed the barbell above my head got set, squated down a small amount, felt i was gonna snap and walked away ha.

**SpiderDan** · 19-01-2012 11:24 AM

Quote

Originally Posted by Rod-Steel

I attempted the overhead squat yesterday. All i can say is LOL for *****s sake!
I walked over to the squat rack, placed the barbell above my head got set, squated down a small amount, felt i was gonna snap and walked away ha.

I think thats shown that you've got some work to do on your mobility......as I said - good assessment tool