Hi all

Let me start of with a massive thank you to Scott Herman. Without his videos and inspiration I wouldn't have gotten as far as I have.

I am 32 year old male in Jan 2013 I used to weigh 300 lbs I am now down to 218 lbs.

As part of my workout routine I do barbell squats. However I can squat far more I can lift over my shoulders. My gym has no squat rack and I tried squatting in the smith machine. That just felt unnatural and put pressure on my back.

Does anyone have any alternative excersises I could do?

Kam

Hi Kam,

I have similar problem. One solution is to use leg press machine.

For smith rack watch those two videos.

And hack squat:

BR, Gregor

Hey man!

Yea smith machines are out of the question. They are disastrous.

I would invite you to try the sumo deadlift. I say deadlift but its actually more of a squat with the bar on your hands, because your body is almost vertical to the ground. Leg press is another leg exercise but it is not a squat alternative. Also, I dont like it because its a machine. Its still unnatural.

Another excellent option for legs is the front squat. Front squats are far more difficult than back squats so you might be able to lift the weight over your shoulders because its gonna have to be lighter by default.

Finally..I think its time to switch to a real gym :D  A gym without squat rack and power rack is no gym. Try the sumo deads though..excellent exercise for legs.

#HTH!
Kostas