Squats, Squatters and More Squatting (Part 2)

BREATHING SQUATS…The ‘breathing squat’ and pullover combo to gain weight proven and in favor since the days of Mark Berry, Roger Eells (who usually gets the credit for it’s invention), Joseph Hise, who added the rest pause, and pushed for decades by Peary Rader of Iron Man, does NOT require the trainee to strain or place the spinal column in a poor position, as in heavy squats.

It doesn’t matter which form of breathing squat that you may undergo, the suggested poundage is always total bodyweight, which is normally enough for anyone. This exercise is obviously quite tough on Sumo wrestlers and big Indian wrestlers, so they have to rely on the latest chemical cocktail to match breathing squat results.

This simplistic workout resulted in huge bodyweight gains, but few desire such ponderous physiques, it is just proof of the value of light squats. Roger Eells by the way, who conducted the premier experiments with his breathing squats for weight gains, often forgot to mention he also spent most of his non training time in bed…. resting.

SINGLE LEG SQUATS…A progression of ‘free squats’, especially for those without weights, is to do single leg bends, preferably on a bench, seldom seen today in schedules, yet old timers could work up to some scary poundages in this difficult style, because you also have to maintain some balance.

One of Britain’s all time best wrestlers Bert Assirati, who in the 30’s was able to make 10 reps with 55Olbs/249.4kg in basic squats, and was able do the single leg style with an extra 2OOlbs/9O.7kg on his shoulders, and Grimek could do the same.

Squatting without added weight, George Eiferman, a contempory of the late Steve Reeves, did I5O consecutive reps on one leg. Reeves didn’t care much for basic squats, favoring front squats, or ‘hack’ squats, with the aim we are told of avoiding developing to large a butt. This was also the thoughts of Vince Gironda.

The “Iron Guru” or Gironda really hated basic squats and they were a definite no no in his gym and apart from that if you got caught doing barbell squats, well you would virtually be thrown straight out of the door. Gironda agreed with Jeeves that squats caused big asses. He therefore recommends a different squat with the strange name of “sissy Squats” which is great for thigh development. This squat is best described as a highly controlled lean back free squat, but you are allowed to add light weights to a belt.

Roy Callender, who used to workout by instinct, used to squat 100 reps or more on sissy squats followed by high reps lunges, finished off by work on the leg extension machine - no doubt he also did his share of basic squats for such legs. Boyer Coe used sissy squats, having plenty of power already built by basic squats, able to squat with 5OOlbs/226.7kg when just I8yrs old.

Once racks became common, so poundages rocketed, experienced bodybuilders soon used at first bodyweight, then double bodyweight, with eventually powerlifters reaching the magic IOOOlbs/453.5kg mark. It is said Anderson squatted with II6Olbs/526k of silver dollars twice a night when he was performing in Las Vegas. Equally famous as a pioneer of heavy squats is Frederick C Hatfield PhD. or Dr Squat. (Coming Soon Part 3)