Is it still worth barbell back squatting?
Is the risk vs reward in its favour?
Any exercise done with poor technique or at a loading that exceeds the athletes capability will increase the risk of injury - it doesn’t mean it’s an intrinsicly ‘bad exercise’.
However, if an individual (through whatever reason) cannot get into the positions required to effectively load a barbell back squat, there are some great alternatives that can reduce or even remove the axial loading entirely.
1) Belt squat
• Loads the hips rather than the spine
2) Anderson Back Squat
• Still requires bracing and stability, but reduces the force generated at the change of direction.
3) Hatfield Squat
• The hands are free due to the use of a safety bar. The athlete can keep a better position and reduce the load through problem areas of their squat.
Q1 2026 wrap up for the team 📈
We get together at the end of each quarter and review the past 3 months asking the following questions,
1) What went well (and why)
2) What could have been better (and why)
3) Tasks and targets for Q2 (with the tangible actions and numbers required to achieve them)
Never settling, never accepting ‘good enough’ - always moving forwards.
