Squatting/Gut Management

[jonsande]

All -

Maybe some of you have wrestled with this problem, but I'm having issues getting in a heavy leg work out on one end, and keeping my waist trim on the other.  Basically my leg workouts are comprised mostly of squats, and secondarily of leg presses. 

The problem I'm having - as maybe some of you squatters are aware of - is that going low and going heavy tends to make you push out and stretch your gut as you lift.  After basically years of this, my abs stick out further than my chest, so it looks like I have a small beer belly. 

Have any of you dealt with this before?  If so, how do you manage your stomach size while maintaining heavy leg lifts?

[Master Blaster]

All -

Maybe some of you have wrestled with this problem, but I'm having issues getting in a heavy leg work out on one end, and keeping my waist trim on the other.  Basically my leg workouts are comprised mostly of squats, and secondarily of leg presses. 

The problem I'm having - as maybe some of you squatters are aware of - is that going low and going heavy tends to make you push out and stretch your gut as you lift.  After basically years of this, my abs stick out further than my chest, so it looks like I have a small beer belly. 

Have any of you dealt with this before?  If so, how do you manage your stomach size while maintaining heavy leg lifts?

I think you might be blaming the wrong thing.

[jonsande]

No.  If I had an actual beer belly, then you wouldn't be able to see my abdominals.

[chaos]

First thing I'd ask is natty or juiced? Belt or unbelted? Have you tried front squats instead?

[jonsande]

First thing I'd ask is natty or juiced? Belt or unbelted? Have you tried front squats instead?

Natural.  Belt for most of the time, but since it's been stolen over the summer, belt free since I have yet to replace it.  And I've recently switched over to front squats after someone else suggested the same after a similar discussion.  That seems to be an improvement, but I just wanted to make sure by asking if others have this issue.