Barbell Hand Grip for Plie Squats

[faie]

Hello, I hope Cathe or anyone could answer this question for me.

I notice that whenever Cathe does Plie Squats, she uses the underhand grip and supports the barbells on her upper arms with her hands gripping the barbell right under her chin with elbows sticking out. I always find this method rather uncomfortable. I'd like to know, what are the benefits of gripping the barbell this way instead of resting the barbell on the shoulders and gripping it in an overhand grip like it is being done for squats and static lunges?

 

[groundhog]

Hi.. I rest the barbell on my shoulders because I have nerve damage in both wrists and could not POSSIBLY hold the barbell like that. I tried it both ways and I did not notice any difference in the inner thigh.

 

[Alexis52]

I'm pretty sure the benefit of holding the barbell in the underhand position under your chin is so that you don't fall over! It has more to do with where the center of gravity is in a given position. Squats and lunges can be performed with the barbell on your back because your tush sticks out for squats and your legs move out for lunges, keeping it all in balance. Plie squats are essentially performed on one plane and the center of gravity is in front of the body, not behind. Or, I could be talking out my elbow but I'm pretty sure that's right.

Another option is to hold one very heavy dumbbell (or two med. ones) with arms straight down between your legs. Cathe does this in several tapes. Alexis

 

[desertbriez]

atually... in CTX and others i have, she holds it on the back of her shoulders but tells you to hold it whichever way is most comfortable for you!

 

[trevor]

Have you all ever tried using wrist straps for some of the moves? Not sure if these would help or not but straps help me to use higher weight dumbbells without killing my wrists and forearms. Perhaps they'd work for barbell work as well?
Just a thought.
T.

 

[Jcrew3082]

Faie,

I think in most workouts Cathe says to use whichever position you are comfortable with. I always put the barbell on my shoulders, not in front. It feels awkward otherwise.

Gina

 

[carolynjane]

I always put the bar on my shoulders too. I tried the other way and it was so uncomfortable. In most of the workouts, we do plie squats right after doing regular squats, so I think it might be a way that Cathe offers some variation and options.