Back Squat — ramp + top set
2×ramp, then top set of 5
~155lb
anchor lift: brace hard, no grinding
The anchor lift.
Setup: bar on upper traps, feet shoulder-width, toes slightly out.
Form: big breath + brace, sit between the hips, depth to parallel, drive up through mid-foot. No grinding reps while the weights are still being calibrated.
Demoted 2026-09-18: the anchor squat is the hack squat machine (either orientation); the barbell back squat stays as a swap candidate, not the default.
Muscles: quads (assists: glutes, core)
Back Squat — back-offs
6×8 @ -20%
~155lb
volume work, keep it moving
The anchor lift.
Setup: bar on upper traps, feet shoulder-width, toes slightly out.
Form: big breath + brace, sit between the hips, depth to parallel, drive up through mid-foot. No grinding reps while the weights are still being calibrated.
Demoted 2026-09-18: the anchor squat is the hack squat machine (either orientation); the barbell back squat stays as a swap candidate, not the default.
Muscles: quads (assists: glutes, core)
light bar, braced hinge
Barbell hinge for hamstrings.
Setup: bar on the back like a squat, LIGHT (this is a stretch under load, not a lift).
Form: soft knees, bow forward pushing hips back until hamstrings pull, stand up. Braced back always — sciatica-aware.
Muscles: hamstrings (assists: back, glutes)