Swapping hi/lo bar squats for elbow tendonitis relief

[SGTCassES]

Would alternating the hi and low bar position over a period of say weeks, 1 month hi bars, 1 month low bars, be a smart move to continue progression in the squat while providing elbow relief. Been on the original SS program off/on due to some minor injuries for 6-8 months. But my tendonitis is back, not sure if it was caused by the squats or not but when I low bar squat with it it makes it flare. I can do all the other SS exercises with no issues, even bicep related activity doesn't aggravate it.

40 yo male
275 low bar
255 high bar
365 deadlift
235 bench
140 clean & press
315 shrug


Thanks,
Sgt Cass

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Would alternating the hi and low bar position over a period of say weeks, 1 month hi bars, 1 month low bars, be a smart move to continue progression in the squat while providing elbow relief. Been on the original SS program off/on due to some minor injuries for 6-8 months. But my tendonitis is back, not sure if it was caused by the squats or not but when I low bar squat with it it makes it flare. I can do all the other SS exercises with no issues, even bicep related activity doesn't aggravate it.

40 yo male
275 low bar
255 high bar
365 deadlift
235 bench
140 clean & press
315 shrug


Thanks,
Sgt Cass


I hate high bar squats, so I would be looking for a way to fix my form on the low bar squat so that I wasn't carrying as much weight in your hands....this is generally where the tendonitis comes from. Weight is not being born by the back, it is being supported in your palms, at least partially. Can you post a video to Rip of your bar position?? Also, maybe see if there are some SS coaches in your area that can help.

That being said....if you were going to use the alternate strategy, I might just do one workout high bar, one workout low bar for a while and see if that helps. And just ibuprofen the shit out of myself afte rthe LB workouts.

[LeonidasfromSparta]

And this video might be helpful (at least it was for me):
http://startingstrength.com/index.php/site/platform_the_squat_bar_position

[t0rment]

I hate high bar squats

Why? Not looking to disturb any shit, just curious.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I was waiting for that. Because the VAST majority of trainees can do more weight, more efficiently with a properly performed low bar squat. I am well aware of the multitude of extremely strong people who high bar squat. I did not say they were not strong. I said I don't like that style of squats and I rarely teach them to my clients or athletes.

[t0rment]

I was waiting for that. Because the VAST majority of trainees can do more weight, more efficiently with a properly performed low bar squat. I am well aware of the multitude of extremely strong people who high bar squat. I did not say they were not strong. I said I don't like that style of squats and I rarely teach them to my clients or athletes.

I don't blame you for being defensive since this discussion turns into a shit storm 99% of the time, but I was genuinely just curious about your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I just knew that as soon as I posted that I would get a youtube link of pat mendes high bar squatting 700-800 lbs.