The Box Squat
by Chad Ullom
Scottish Highland Game Champion Dave Brown utilizes box squatting in his training.
My training partner Scott Campbell & I have been using a box for many years to squat off of. Al recommended box squats to me and they have worked out great for us! I remember using a box in high school with the Bigger Faster Stronger program, but it was only used as an above parallel box. The box we use can be set to a 12, 14 or 16 inch height. The 12 inch height is about 2 inches below parallel, 14 is at parallel and 16 is about 2 inches above. I like the variety the box offers, helping with range of motion for deep squats on the 12 inch side while allowing you to feel more weight on your back when you use the 16 inch side. It also takes out the guess work on depth! I know I would finish high at times when the weight was heavy or if I was fatigued, but you can’t cheat if your butt doesn’t hit that box. You have to make sure it’s far enough back that your hamstrings don’t make contact first and it’s just a touch and go. Don’t drop real fast and crash down on the box. It’s just there to let you know when you hit the depth you’re looking for.