Squat Issue

[JacktheThriller]

So im having a problem in my strength cycle in my squat. I'm currently doing a 10 rep set and i can get 4 reps and then i just feel bagged and have to rest pause the final 6. I can do the weight for 10 reps it just takes like a full minute or longer. Is this a big issue? What is it related to my cardio or muscular endurance or what?

[Memo]

strength & endurance I would say.

[Memo]

I was training 3-5 rep range for the last 6 month, and decided to go back to 8-15 rep range for a few month. and stuff that I could do for 300lbs for 3 rep is now 150lbs for 10 rep.

[JacktheThriller]

but its not as if i cant lift the weight i just get exhausted and have to take big deep breaths into my stomach to get another rep in

[Jeff Vanco]

but its not as if i cant lift the weight i just get exhausted and have to take big deep breaths into my stomach to get another rep in

And? So what?

Who ever said squattting is easy? That's what your 10 rep squat should feel like EVERY TIME.

That's the difference between a workout and training.

Take that weight and rep it for TWENTY.

Do you have the guts?

[JacktheThriller]

im just wondering if this still counts as completing the set or if its a form of cheating

[liquidfire]

im just wondering if this still counts as completing the set or if its a form of cheating

Yeah you're definitely still doing it right man. As long as your form doesn't break down don't worry about it.

[Jeff Vanco]

No racking the bar, keep it on your back and breathe

[JacktheThriller]

as the weight builds im gonna need to pad it with a towel, its a long time goin on one spot on the lats

[Jeff Vanco]

Don't forget to put your tampon in

[GYMBRAT]

gotsta hammer them shrugs sounds like :D for your lats lol, traps ;)

[JacktheThriller]

yea thanks guys and yes i have found tampons to give me that extra edge in the squat

[Direwolf]

Check your breathing technique. Assuming you're doing it right, then the weight you're using is too heavy for that rep range. Lower it, and work your way up.

[buildinthaskinnys]

I have gotten this before i think maybe, I think partly it is due to your gpp, that is your general physical preparedness, kinda like cardio but with weights, and the other part is due to the stress of having weight on your back, this can be mentally demanding at times, for myself I would get very nervous and my heart rate would go through the roof, had to stop my work out early a few times all because my heart rate would skyrocket and in turn I would start huffing and puffing. My suggestion to you is to count out your squats with 2-3 relaxed breaths at the top, this will give you time to physically and mentally prepare for the lift. Remember that although intensity will decrease with the longer rest periods the total volume will add up. And as you get better you can decrease the time between reps.

[clicker666]

Not hijacking, because I'm in the same boat. I can pump off about 4-6 squats ATG but then need to catch my breath. I don't rack the weight, I just stand there for a few seconds and then go again for two or three, then it's breath and one more, breathe and one more, etc.

So what is being said is that, since I am not racking the weight, and not taking an inordinate time to catch my breath (ie more than say 15 secs), my set is still good?

[Talo]

Yes , they're still good. I do this with deadlifts sometimes , nothing wrong with it.

[sherlock]

This is probably not the issue, but if you wear a belt, how tight is it? It could be that the belt is cutting your breathing some. If not, then do as was suggested and, yes, take your breaks, but keep the bar on the back.

And do all you can not to use a towel. It takes the battle out of squatting. Low bar the weight if you have to. Keep the elbows pointing as high up as possible. Nothing beats the feeling of excruciating pain, feeling like you can't go on, but you do it anyway. That's the way. Squats aren't supposed to feel nice. They're supposed to hurt like a bitch, but when it's over you can honestly say that, whether you win or lose, you were just in a war and you fought as hard as you could.