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Anyone here ever used Zercher Squats in a cluster or in any other programs? What are your thoughts on them?

I tried a few light ones during my last workout and other then my arms not being used to it they felt really smooth; like how when doing a Goblet Squat everything just seems to click. I also like how you don't need a rack ( see Zercher Lift video ).

I'm not trying to compare Zercher Squats to Back Squats or anything like that; Just looking for anecdotal advice.

For anyone who doesn't know what they are here is a video of a Zercher Squat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWggYlGyBq4
The Zercher Lift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76F5jh8RDEg

and acouple of the articles I seen that made me think about giving them a try:
https://www.t-nation.com/training/compl ... o-zerchers
http://westside-barbell.com/the-squat-2/
http://www.strongfirst.com/the-best-squat/

I used them in my strongman prep for a short time but didn't see any additional benefit over front squats themselves.

It depends......if you're wanting a 'break from the norm' then they are a variation..... For maximal strength work.....you will be limited by the load on your arms, but they do work the core, that's for sure.....& as already stated they help with the patterning of the squat. They allow a full extension of the hip, as opposed to the back squat.

I did them last year as a 'break from the norm', with the BB, but not for maximal strength work..... As warm ups, as a finisher, as a recovery session, that type of thing. I now utilise a SB to do them for more of a SE hit as part of a SB complex / combo session. [70# SB works an absolute treat] here's a short video of a finisher
https://instagram.com/p/BD4ETC7wlh8/

I'd second what THLE said. They're going to be difficult to use for MS.

Train_Hard_Live_Easy wrote:It depends......if you're wanting a 'break from the norm' then they are a variation..... For maximal strength work.....you will be limited by the load on your arms, but they do work the core, that's for sure.....& as already stated they help with the patterning of the squat. They allow a full extension of the hip, as opposed to the back squat.

I did them last year as a 'break from the norm', with the BB, but not for maximal strength work..... As warm ups, as a finisher, as a recovery session, that type of thing. I now utilise a SB to do them for more of a SE hit as part of a SB complex / combo session. [70# SB works an absolute treat] here's a short video of a finisher
https://instagram.com/p/BD4ETC7wlh8/

That Sandbag Zercher looks good man. I'll Have to give it a try.