Having To Clean The Weight To Do Squats

[Weightlifter49]

I have been doing Cleans to get the weight to my shoulders then placing the barbell on to my back to do squats...I have been doing this for a few months now and wonder since I don't have a squat rack can I expect to continue to progress in this matter doing it this way? Otherwords is it OK or is it crazy?

My routine has been 5x5-3x15-4x10 3 times a week...I also do Deadlfts, Bend Rows, Bench, Military Press.

I have to say I tend to like it this way as it makes me set goals in how much weight each week I need to clean to do my squats though my rest times between sets might vary and my weight increases may stall at times I still find it motivating..I am also 49 years old....

What say you...

Thanks for the input..
Weightlifter49

[Bobcat]

That's how I started out when I first got serious about squatting. You've got the advantage of a pull, a press (or a push press, or a jerk) and a squat all in one. On the other hand, if you decide you want to progress to heavy squats, you'll want some kind of rack or stands. Unless you're highly unusual, you can squat more weight than you can put overhead. By the way, don't let your age discourage you if you're otherwise interested in squatting more weight. I'm turning 54 next month. Squats are the fountain of youth.

[Weightlifter49]

Thanks Bobcat for your reply very inspiring...

Thats the question I have in the back of my mind as the weight increase will I be able to continue with doing Cleans and then squating...So far it was only until about 3 months ago that 115lbs felt like a ton and now I am able to Clean 160lbs...in a couple of days I will increase to 165lbs but I am sure and time will tell I will definitely have to get a squat rack just in case I am in the middle of a squat rep and I suddenly poop out and have to get rid of the bar instead of dropping it...

At present I am 6-2 230 use creatine but really wonder if it's worth it or not...

Weightlifer 49

That's how I started out when I first got serious about squatting. You've got the advantage of a pull, a press (or a push press, or a jerk) and a squat all in one. On the other hand, if you decide you want to progress to heavy squats, you'll want some kind of rack or stands. Unless you're highly unusual, you can squat more weight than you can put overhead. By the way, don't let your age discourage you if you're otherwise interested in squatting more weight. I'm turning 54 next month. Squats are the fountain of youth.

[Weightlifter49]

Thanks Bobcat for your reply very inspiring...

Thats the question I have in the back of my mind as the weight increase will I be able to continue with doing Cleans and then squating...So far it was only until about 3 months ago that 115lbs felt like a ton and now I am able to Clean 160lbs...in a couple of days I will increase to 165lbs but I am sure and time will tell I will definitely have to get a squat rack just in case I am in the middle of a squat rep and I suddenly poop out and have to get rid of the bar instead of dropping it...

At present I am 6-2 230 get around 230g of protein a day and use creatine but wonder if the creatine is worth it.

Weightlifter 49

That's how I started out when I first got serious about squatting. You've got the advantage of a pull, a press (or a push press, or a jerk) and a squat all in one. On the other hand, if you decide you want to progress to heavy squats, you'll want some kind of rack or stands. Unless you're highly unusual, you can squat more weight than you can put overhead. By the way, don't let your age discourage you if you're otherwise interested in squatting more weight. I'm turning 54 next month. Squats are the fountain of youth.

[fireman1]

Weightlifter49:
Definitely get yourself a power cage. Lots of companies sell them like Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods or online http://newyorkbarbells.tv/powerracks.html You can use them for squats, bench, dips, pull-ups...almost anything.

When it comes to squats, you should definitely listen to Bobcat. He is a squatting machine and he's right - Eventually you will be able to squat more than you can clean.

[Weightlifter49]

Definitely, I know I can squat at least 220 but I'm only able to clean 160 at the moment can't clean 220 to then squat it...

I'll check this link out and appreciate this info fireman1...

Weightlifter49


Weightlifter49:
Definitely get yourself a power cage. Lots of companies sell them like Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods or online http://newyorkbarbells.tv/powerracks.html You can use them for squats, bench, dips, pull-ups...almost anything.

When it comes to squats, you should definitely listen to Bobcat. He is a squatting machine and he's right - Eventually you will be able to squat more than you can clean.

[Bobcat]

I agree with fireman1: get a cage-style power rack, apply yourself to your squats and watch your strength take off. As you handle considerably more weight, you might find the creatine very useful. It's one of the few supplements that has actually been proven to be effective (though not for all people in all circumstances).

[Weightlifter49]

Thanks Bobcat for the reply sounds inspiring...

Weighlifter49

I agree with fireman1: get a cage-style power rack, apply yourself to your squats and watch your strength take off. As you handle considerably more weight, you might find the creatine very useful. It's one of the few supplements that has actually been proven to be effective (though not for all people in all circumstances).