can PWR CLN replace squats?

shaggz

New member
im trying out for rugby team in a couple months and i need to build up my lower body more. I love doing dead lifts, but i fucking hate squats. I just tried for the first time power cleans( and i really like them)... If i do power cleans..is that good enough to replace squats? or does it need to all be done?

i was also wondering how many other people do cleans? i dont hear people talk about them or do them that much
 
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Cleans are good, but they work more of your upper body and especially the forearms. A squat alone works about 200 of your 600 muscles, so you do the math. Don't get me wrong, I love cleans as they work more than one muscle. But, no other exercise can strengthen your lower body as much as a squat. Is there a particular reason that you don't get along with squats? Height? No spotter?
 
i do cleans sometimes when i'm not doing deads that week. I feel they are more taxing on my endurance rather than on my lower body.

I wouldn't say you could substitute cleans for squats.
 
i cant increase my squat anymore... I always get dizzy after doing them..main reason i dont like to do them cause it literally make me tired for half the day they wear me the fuck out.

but it seems pretty necessary to do them, so I just suck it up i guess. maybe ill just do them once a week..
 
shaggz said:
i cant increase my squat anymore... I always get dizzy after doing them..main reason i dont like to do them cause it literally make me tired for half the day they wear me the fuck out.

but it seems pretty necessary to do them, so I just suck it up i guess. maybe ill just do them once a week..


That's the spirit! Sometimes you do just have to suck it up. Believe me, you're not the only one. I have come close to throwing up several times, but just keep well hydrated to avoid that. If you're getting dizzy I would recommend focusing more on breathing. Remember to exhale when going down and inhale when going up. Also, maybe just for now go a bit lighter and focus more on the muscle contractions and your form. One of my favorite ways to squat is with both of my legs close together. Hitting the lower body from different angles will also help to build up your overall lower body strength. I would just get as comfortable as you possibly can with the movement and work up the weight later on when you feel you're ready. It is an ego movement, but the form is what matters the most imho. Also, once a week is fine :)
 
i usually do my squats really slow/deep and controlled, really good form and switch my footing position each set to hit all the quad angles, but can only get like get 225lbs for the 3 sets

Musculo Fuerte said:
If you're getting dizzy I would recommend focusing more on breathing. Remember to exhale when going down and inhale when going up.

is that right? i do hold my breath sometimes.. but when i do breath i've been doing it the complete opposite
 
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bro, my squat is shit as well...just takes time and form and reps to get the numbers to go up. I've nearly passed out after a set once...had two trainers carry me to a corner and took 40oz of gatorade while laying on the floor and about 15 minutes to bring me back. Squat til you drop.
 
I do power cleans for football. I enjoy them. However, I highly doubt that many coaches would recommend cleans over squats. We do them both.
 
shaggz said:
Originally Posted by Musculo Fuerte
Remember to exhale when going down and inhale when going up.

If your goal is strength, this is not right. Take a deep breath into your diaphram, hold it for the entire rep. then exhale at the top. If you can hold your breathe for 2-3 reps, then do it.

Learn how to box squat, quad angles on squats are pretty meaningless when strength is concerened, unless your quads are REALLY weak. If you focus on Hips, you'll have better results.
 
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president_fad said:
suck it up, 225 isnt shit you shouldnt be getting light headed off that girl weight.

Um, Last time I checked the point of a thread is to help out and give good advice, Not to insult or demean.
 
Ah, maybe it's just the concerned female in me. (But, in all honesty I'm happy to know that I don't squat girl weight according to the prez. Hee hee).
 
never mind the weight and what the shitheads say..
Form is most important...just add like 5 lbs to each side every week... u dont have to do 3 sets try 2 for 12 and 10 reps...especially if your doing all legs that day...
 
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