Press W/O Proper Equipment

[David M Tillotson]

Coach,

I am currently deployed in a slightly austere location in Afghanistan. Luckily we have a squat rack, but not a particularly good one. As I am working on the SS Novice program, I have a question on the press. The squat rack that we do have will not accomodate the press. As I see it my options are to power clean the weight to the racked position and start from there, or use the seated press rack to stand the weight up. This second option is a little annoying, because then I have the seat in between my legs as I press.

I know that your first answer would be to find a better gym, but I don't have that option here. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

TILL

[Mark Rippetoe]

How is it that you can squat out of the rack but can't press?

[David M Tillotson]

The pins are only able to be placed on the inside of the rack. This would force me to squat and press inside the rack. Only problem is the rack is too short to allow full extension on my presses. I would be about 6 inches short.

[mlentzner]

How is it that you can't clean/power clean your pressing weight?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Yeah, just clean it. Good for you anyway.

[davekind]

Are you in Blackjack/Bagram?

I have many fond memories of that squat rack. I added almost 100 pounds to my squat in it.