Been lifting for 4 years and hit a plateau on my squat. Switched to a safety squat bar to change things up, but my numbers aren't budging. I know the SSB hits different muscles, but should I just suck it up and stick with it longer, or is it time to tweak my programming?
lmao, just get a ton of protein in and lift heavier! It's like feeding a beast! Seriously though, don't skip on recovery and get enough sleep. Those factors can really mess with your gains.
Sounds like you're in a rut. I hit a plateau on my squat before too, switching things up usually helps, but don't ditch the SSB just yet.
Look, the SSB rly emphasizes different muscles, particularly the upper back and core. If your form isn't dialed in, your squat could suffer. Consider filming ur lifts or getting a coach to critique your technique.
Not to be a downer, but it's common to see people plateau for a while. If you're not seeing any progress, maybe look into varying your rep ranges or trying different squat variations to break that barrier.
Switching to the SSB could feel weird, but it might also expose some weaknesses in your squat. Just keep pushing through! I had to build up my core strength before my squat improved.
100% agree with the need for form checks. I used to think I was squatting right until I saw videos of myself. You'd be surprised how small tweaks can change the game! Maybe do some lighter weight high-rep work to dial in your technique.
Have you considered your nutrition? Sometimes, when training hard, our bodies need extra fuel. Try meal prepping with more protein-rich foods to support your lifts