Manta Ray front squat aid

[Ritch]

I had a friend once show me the manta ray front squat device but didn`t really care as I never did front squats. I`ve been doing them now for 6 weeks and am thinking of getting them as the weight is getting rough on my collar bones. Anyone ever use it?

[tiramisu]

collar bones? hm, sounds a little odd how you are racking your front squats.

I have a couple of challenges with mine.

1) I haven't developed the wrist flexibility to rack them like an olympic lifter so I have to cross my arms up in front of me so that the bar rests in the shelf made by my front delts.

2) The bar rests into my neck and I feel kind of like I'm going to choke. Haven't got used to it.

You may want to play with how you are racking the bar a bit. I haven't had any issues with collar bones. of course I may just be differently shaped.

I'm finding I really like front squats as an alternate exercise.

[Ritch]

Yes, one thing I may need to do is play with how I place the bar. But man do they ever cut the circulation off. I watch my face get dark red as the set goes on, hoping I don`t pass out! I cross my arms as well. I tried placing the bar further from my neck but the bar nearly slipped off. I can take the pain, but the manta ray device is looking like a good tool here.

The front squats sure hit the front quads well. Plus it`s so natural to do deep down and keep good form.

[IronRobi]

There's one at my gym, never thought about trying it on front squats, wouldn't like having it by my neck like that. I use the crossed arm shelf technique

[Ritch]

There's one at my gym, never thought about trying it on front squats, wouldn't like having it by my neck like that. I use the crossed arm shelf technique

I`m not sure here, but are you thinking of using the regular manta ray for front squats? LOL! It`s not the same thing I refering to here. It comes in 2 pieces not the one piece manta ray device. Any tips you have to make the exercise more comfortable. Or maybe it`s just practice, it`s only been 6 weeks or so I`ve been at them...

[natenator]

Practice.

If Justin Harris can do 5 bills without an aid then I can't imagine anyone else needing one also.

[tex]

not sure how you are choking while doing it....again it sounds like bad bar placement.....

[Ritch]

Practice.

If Justin Harris can do 5 bills without an aid then I can't imagine anyone else needing one also.

True enough...

[IronRobi]

I`m not sure here, but are you thinking of using the regular manta ray for front squats? LOL! It`s not the same thing I refering to here. It comes in 2 pieces not the one piece manta ray device. Any tips you have to make the exercise more comfortable. Or maybe it`s just practice, it`s only been 6 weeks or so I`ve been at them...

Hahaha yup! I was definitely talking about doing it with the standard manta ray lol. All I can suggest is practice. I cross my arms and hold them up which creates a nice crease in my delts that the bar rests perfectly in. Pinches a bit with heavy weights but you get used to it. If you're choking move it onto your shoulders/arms and away from your neck.

[Ritch]

Hahaha yup! I was definitely talking about doing it with the standard manta ray lol. All I can suggest is practice. I cross my arms and hold them up which creates a nice crease in my delts that the bar rests perfectly in. Pinches a bit with heavy weights but you get used to it. If you're choking move it onto your shoulders/arms and away from your neck.

That sounds like some good advice. Right now I`m thinking how I place my shoulders and arms and they are indeed close to me (shoulder blades together) I will push my elbows forward more to create some more space.

No shit, since I`ve been doing front squats, deadlifts and sumo deadlifts on leg day, when I got home from work last week from work and sat down, my pants split in the inner thigh region...

[Danger]

When I first started front squatting I used wrist wraps to hold the bar since my wrists did not have the flexability to hold the bar olympic style, works awesome. I also like doing front squats with the bar sitting on the inside of my elbow with my arms forming a 90 degree angle.

[tiramisu]

I'm not actually choking. I'm just a little phobic about anything touching my throat.

[Ritch]

When I first started front squatting I used wrist wraps to hold the bar since my wrists did not have the flexability to hold the bar olympic style, works awesome. I also like doing front squats with the bar sitting on the inside of my elbow with my arms forming a 90 degree angle.

may try that as well, got some good tips here. Thanks fella`s!

[nisser]

Sorry but using wrist straps on front squats is a horrible and dangerous idea. You need the option of just dropping the bar if you need to; having it tied to your wrists is incredibly dangerous.

There's 2 ways to hold the bar. One way is to position your arms in almost a preacher curl position and then holding it back this way. This only works if your arm length isn't funky (this doesn't work for me). The other way has already been mentioned and that's to cross your arms and make a crease with your delts.

[Danger]

lol you dont use the straps to wrap the bar you use them to make a "cradle" that keeps it secure, its no more dangerous than a standard front squat. I think pictures might help but I dont have any.

The other position I mentioned is called a "Zercher Squat"

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/7_more_movements_for_rapid_strength_development%3B jsessionid=52FC777F5A2976C87539D4CA6B3D505A.hydra
Scroll about half way down and there are some pretty clear pics and a good description.

[cog]

Try it with each thumb touching your temples.

[Ritch]

lol you dont use the straps to wrap the bar you use them to make a "cradle" that keeps it secure, its no more dangerous than a standard front squat. I think pictures might help but I dont have any.

The other position I mentioned is called a "Zercher Squat"

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/7_more_movements_for_rapid_strength_development%3B jsessionid=52FC777F5A2976C87539D4CA6B3D505A.hydra
Scroll about half way down and there are some pretty clear pics and a good description.

I`ve seen the zercher squat. Honestly it just seems rediculous. How much weight can you possibly hold squating that way. It`s gonna destroy your arms...