Rounding Off Squat Training in Westside Barbell Style

Earlier we have provided a brief overview of the squat training that is executed at Westside Barbell on day 2 (also known as the speed day). Today we will be discussing the correct methods for performing it and also provide information about reps and rest period.



• For performing box squats correctly, fix up the squat in a position, which is comparatively wider than the normal stance. Also, keep your feet pointed towards the forward direction.

• Next, arch the back region, pull the shoulder blades together and move the head into the bar. Afterwards move the knees apart and try to push your abdomen against the belt.

• Once you are done, lower yourself gently. Push back the hips and then bend the knees.

• Pause on the box squat for few seconds and start again.

• On the speed day, Westside Barbell recommends 8-12 sets of 2 repetitions. The rest period usually varies between 45-60 seconds between the sets.

• Once the box squat workout is over, exercisers are instructed to execute the same assistance groups (as on day 1). Special attention will be given on the weak areas.

• The total duration of these workouts should approximately take 1 hour. Research studies have proved that testosterone levels are on the rise during the first 20 minutes of the workout session. It has also been stated that the most crucial time of training lies between the first 20-50 minutes and afterwards, the testosterone levels start decreasing. It can be mentioned here that work sets are executed in Westside Barbell within the first 50 minutes.

This marks the end of squat training in Westside Barbell style. It is important to follow all these steps with whole-hearted dedication to achieve the results.

Stay healthy and have fun!

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Spice Up Your Squat Training with Westside Barbell

In one of our earlier blog post, we discussed about Group 1 exercises that consist of deadlifts, squats and good mornings. Today we will discuss about other groups, which make up the day 1 of squat training exercise. Group 2 also known as the supplemental exercise and focuses on the athletes’ weaknesses. The following exercises are included in-Group 2-



Glute Ham Rise-It consists of working out using a special bench that is somewhat similar to the hyperextension bench. The only difference is that in case of Glute Ham Rise, the hamstrings and glutes initiate the movement.

Partial Dead lifts-This can be defined as arched back deadlifts, which must be executed in a ballistic style for high reps.

Pull Through-Position yourself away from the low pulley and bend down. Hold the pulley with the help of your legs and pull it up to the standing position.
It is important to mention here that the group 2 exercises should be executed with multiple sets of varied reps (more than 5 reps but less than 20).

Group 3- (Core accessory #1)-Group 3 exercises target lower back region of the body and in Westside Barbell, different variations are used with the help of a long or short strap. On light days, opt for 3 or 4 sets of 15-20 reps. A heavy day, on the other day, should consist of 4 or 5 sets of 6-8 reps.

Group 3-(Core accessory #2)-These exercises target the abdominal region and can consist of one or two of the following exercises.

Pull down ABS-Take help of a rope and hold the handle of the latte pull equipment. Pull it behind your head and execute the reverse deadlift.

Spread eagle sit ups-Lay down on the floor, spread out the legs and do the sit ups.

Group 4-It consists of reverse curls, lat work, dragging. They are performed to enhance the work capacity and train the stabilizing muscles.

In our next blog post, we will provide a sample of ideal workouts which done at Westside Barbell on day 1.

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Explore Squat Training With Westside Barbell

Squat training is a crucial aspect of powerlifting and there are many people who are interested in details about the squat training routine. In Westside Barbell, squat training is split up into two days-one on Monday and the other on Friday. Squat training on Monday aims to work on the muscular system with the aid of maximum effort strength training and on Friday, the purpose is to train the neuromuscular system. This is done with the help of the dynamic effort training.



Monday-Monday starts with any special exercise which could be either dead lift, squat or good mornings. Westside Barbell provides nearly 60 variations of all these exercises. This gym strongly believes that it is important to perform different types of exercises so that the body does not stop reacting to the grueling workouts. It must be provided with new stimuli (in the form of new workouts) regularly. We provide a brief overview of the different types of good mornings, squats and deadlifts that are being practiced at the Westside Barbell.

Good Mornings-

Regular good mornings-You can perform regular good mornings with either an arched or a round back.

Good Mornings off Pins-Place the bar on any selected pin (which can be of any height) and duck under it. Adjust it in the good morning position and pull the bar up to the standing position. Good Mornings off Pins can be performed with an arched or a rounded back.

Hanging Bar Good Mornings- Adjust the bar in the rack with help of the chains. Select the ideal height, duck under the bar and lift the bar to the standing position.

Deadlifts- For performing various types of deadlifts, Westside Barbell encourages the use of multiple stances, chains and bands.

Squats-For squat movements, Westside Barbell advocates the use of training devices such as belt squats, safety squat bar, front squat harness etc.

Monday workout consists of various types of exercises. Group 1 is known as the max effort exercise and it consists of the workouts (i.e. squats, deadlifts and good mornings) we mentioned above. We will provide more information about group 1 and other types of workouts in our next blog post.

Until then, have a blast!

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