To protect the spine, it is vital to avoid putting the barbell directly on the vertebrae, but to enable the upper back muscles to serve as a cushion on which the barbell can rest. Like the Front Squat, it’s important to make sure you’re not bothered by the barbell on your back and have all the success points in mind for your perfect squat.
Scaling:
Most athletes can do this lifting as prescribed. Experienced athletes can go as heavy as possible, while newer athletes can use this session as an opportunity to drill the movement.
Scaling:
Focus on excellent technique for every set. If you have previous 1-rep max, try to set a new PR. Add weight for each set, but only if movement quality is consistent. Intermediate athletes can perform this workout as prescribed. Newer athletes can increase the reps to encourage more practice with the lift.
Scaling:
Experienced athletes should build to a heavy set of 5 and plan to go as heavy as possible across all sets. Newer athletes should start light, focus on mechanics, and slowly add weight as they are comfortable.
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
25 burpees
15 bodyweight back squats
Post rounds completed to comments.
Compare to 091122.
Scaling:
This long couplet will challenge your will as much as your body. Choose reps and loads that allow you to maintain a steady pace with limited breaks. You may or may not be able to complete the squats in one set, and the later rounds will be particularly challenging. Newer athletes might want to reduce the duration of the workout.
Intermediate Option:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
20 burpees
10 reps ¾ bodyweight back squats
Beginner Option:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 15 minutes of:
12 burpees
12 empty-bar back squats