Lifting with chains

[hoby]

I just got a set of 1/2" powerlifting chains this weekend off of craigslist. I used them this morning during my workout. I added them to my squats and presses. Has anyone else tried chains before? Any advice or tips would be appreciated.

[Oldster]

I use chains on a very irregular basis, 5/8" fo rme. I've found that long term they wear me out. And long term being anything over about 8-10 weeks. I'll only do that once per year. You want to hang the chain from smaller chain that you actually drape over the bar. The bigger chain need to be set that so when you are at complete lockout they just have a couple inches on the floor to minimize any swinging. When the bar is on your chest you will want all the weight of the bigger chain on the floor.

Even though it really isn't that much weight it really wears on you throughout each set and will make you focus on push through to lockout. If one is becoming somewhat advanced and has a sticking point 1/2 or farther up, this will make a big difference.

[ihatemoney123]

It would be cool if rip made a chains video of dead lifts and squats. I was wondering if I can incorporate them as an oly lifter.

[veryhrm]

It would be cool if rip made a chains video of dead lifts and squats. I was wondering if I can incorporate them as an oly lifter.

My guess is (though really have no idea) that Rip wouldn't like chains for squats for the same reason he doesn't like partial squats. After all that's basically what you're doing: using more weight in the half squat area than you are in the bottom.

Not sure they'd make sense for DLs either... i mean the top part of the DL is already harder than the bottom part so making the weight heavier as it goes up seems strange. (note: this is all off the cuff commentary i haven't used chains and haven't researched them)

Those "weight releaser" things look like they could be interesting for adding heavy negatives to squats though.

[51M0n]

From memory Rip isn't a big fan of bands or chains. I think that they are primarily of benefit to guys who lift in equipment, because the sticking point is higher up (as the suit takes off more of the load at the bottom of the squat and bench).

But I also know that their are other coaches who use them for raw lifters.

[simonsky]

ey brah check this link: EFS Classic: The Eight Keys, A complete guide to maximal strength development..
it has a part about chains and bands. though it doesn't have as much carryover to the raw lifter, try to be open minded and learn about these stuff. it might be useful to your training.

if i believe also, WFAC has some chains and bands.

[Joe Brock]

Chains, bands, (or anything else that uses the lightening method or dynamic changes in lifting) are really centered around hitting weaknesses on compound lifts. I certainly use them, but not for every workout. They serve a very specific purpose, and trying to use them outside of that doesn't really make sense. If you have issues with lockouts, specific ranges, etc. and simply using assistance exercises isn't getting the job done, they're great. They can still work with a raw lift, but they're much more angled towards those of us who use bench shirts, squat suits, etc.

[ihatemoney123]

'Cause I was thinking: If I can snatch 100kg with bands................then.......................we ll you know the rest haha