Elite FTS explained the How to Teach and Coach
the Box Squat, the importance of the correct box height, foot position and stance and important movement cues for the descent and ascent.
In both a free squat and
a box squat you want to be able to work to the point where your thighs are parallel to the ground.
By now you should have the strength to drive out of the hole of a full depth single leg
box squat, but if you are more comfortable, set the box height at something that is again challenging but doable.
Ok, so picture
a box squat done without a box.
But two things you need to train yourself to do in
the box squat to maximize its effectiveness are:
Swinton et al. (2012) found that the peak hip angle was less acute in the traditional squat than in the powerlifting squat variation but there was no difference between either of these variations and
the box squat.
Ankle moment arm lengths are greater in the traditional squat style than in either the powerlifting or
box squat styles.
Hip extensor moment arm lengths are greater in the traditional and powerlifting squat styles than in
the box squat style.
Wretenberg et al. (1996) found that peak knee extensor moments were lower during powerlifting squats than during Olympic weightlifting - style squats, even though the powerlifting squats involved the use of greater absolute loads; Swinton et al. (2012) reported that peak knee extensor moments were greater in
the box squat variation than in either the traditional or powerlifting squat variations, but there was no difference between traditional and powerlifting squats.
Comparing different squat variations, Swinton et al. (2012) reported that peak lumbosacral moment arm lengths were greater in the traditional and powerlifting squat variations than in
the box squat variations.
Lumbosacral moment arm lengths are greater in the traditional and powerlifting squat styles than in
the box squat style.
Comparing
the box squat and back squat, McBride et al. (2010) reported that
the box squat displayed greater ground reaction forces than the traditional squat with 70 % of 1RM (but not 60 % or 80 % of 1RM), when using the same absolute load.
Swinton et al. (2012) found that peak trunk angle was similar in the traditional and powerlifting squat variations but was much less acute during
the box squat.
Swinton et al. (2012) found that peak ankle angles were less acute in the order
box squat > powerlifting > traditional variations.
Comparing the back squat and
box squat, Swinton et al. (2012) found that rate of force development was 3 — 4 times greater during the
box squat variation than during the traditional and powerlifting squat variations.
Comparing different squat variations, Swinton et al. (2012) reported that peak ankle moment arm lengths were greater in the traditional squat variation than in either the powerlifting or
box squat variations.
-- Strength: Work up to a 3RM in
box squat.
- DESIGNED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:
Box squat box ships flat to save you money and pre-drilled holes makes set up easy.
Other variations include
the box squat, where you put a bench underneath you for support.
This squat day is entirely built around
the box squat, but it follows a high - volume plan with either 12 doubles or 5 sets of 5 reps.. On these days, I follow a maxim of the late Fred «Dr. Squat» Hatfield, a world champion powerlifter: Stay within 80 percent for your working weight on dynamic - effort day.
The cornerstone of my squat training since 1993 has been
the box squat.
For most T - mag readers, I'd suggest a four week wave using
the box squat.
The greatest secret to our success at Westside is the use of
the box squat.
The low
box squat should be used 20 % of the time, the deadlift 10 %.
Holding your weighted objects, stand in front of your box, feet positioned hip - width distance apart like you were going to do a regular
box squat.
After I'm confident that the trainee masters the hip hinge movement and knows how to engage his glutes / posterior chain, I'll have him gradually progress on exercises such as the cable pull - through, plank with glute squeeze,
box squat, and / or other similar exercises that put a lot of stress on the posterior chain.
You may also try different squat variations such as the sumo squat, the deep back squat, the front squat, or
the box squat.
For the purpose of hamstring development,
box squats beat squatting to full depth because when properly performed, they recruit a lot more hamstring tissue than the latter and can help you develop explosive strength in the squat movement and effectively train the posterior chain.
From back squats and front squats to
box squats, sumo squats, and low bar squats, all variations are effective.
You can break the eccentric / concentric chain by doing
box squats.
Box squats also force you to perform the exercise with control, slowly, and it's really difficult to cheat.
Make it Harder: You might think that barbell
box squats would be easier, but by taking momentum out of the equation they make it much more difficult to rise back up again.
If regular barbell back and front squats cause you knee pain, it's time to switch to
box squats.
For example, if you use sumo deadlifts, assistance exercises could include wide stance variations of good mornings,
box squats and Romanian deadlifts.
The only side effects we've seen with
box squatting are big squats!
I do
box squats because I think they are the safest way to squat.
Exercises like deadlift variations, glute ham raises,
box squats, kettlebell swings and upright sled drags will build a strong and powerful posterior chain.
At the very least, I would have
him box squatting using the dymanic method (speed for 60 - 70 % of his 1 - rep max).
Whether you're doing pushups, dips, box jumps, step ups,
box squats, or negative jumps, it'll do the job.
Perfect for step - ups,
box squats, CrossFit work and MMA
For training protocol, I use box one legged
box squats (5 × 1, going about parallel right now), and assisted one legged squats (2 × 5, hands on a low bar).
Perfect for all sorts of plyometric box exercises, whether you're doing box jumps, step ups,
box squats, MMA, Aerobic conditioning, athletic training or negative jumps, it'll do the job.
You can also use this window to cycle in
some box squats and even do some band work a la Westside Barbell.
It involved wide stance good mornings, front squats, deadlift training, rack pulls, wide stance squats, wider stance squats, sumo deadlifts, Romanian Deadlifts, and — of course —
box squats.
I rededicated myself to studying proper squat form, and decided to use only
box squats for a while to see if the pain went away.
-- Strength: Week 1 of
Box Squats.
This is the same technique as our speed
box squats, ie.
So this is basically to say - the «save the quads» issue is a bit of a moot point - I don't think I've ever had a runner of any distance do
box squats to spare their quads or focus on posterior chain - if they have a weak posterior chain, I address that more specifically.
Peak ankle ankles are more acute during traditional back squats than during powerlifting or
box squats.
Can dynamic
box squats make you a more explosive squatter?