(Yes, I tried to find answers myself, before asking here. These terms are not in the template PDF; searching BBM forums gives “too many results” or none; searching online leads to non-BBM sites ie. potential of being misled.)
Belt squat - does that term just mean our everyday squat? (always belted of course) or something special?
SSB Squat - does that term mean the lame-looking “Safety Bar” over neck & shoulders?
HBBS - does that term mean the High Bar Back Squat favored by some crossfitters?
No, this refers to something like a belt squat machine. For folks who don’t have access to one, loading a dip belt and standing on elevated surfaces can achieve the same effect.
Most home gyms, mine included, will not have a belt squat machine available, so you can use a dip belt as Austin mentions. I have used the jerry-rigged belt squat as shown in the Andy Baker instagram post below. To use just plates and the dip belt, I needed to stand with significant elevation, which felt unstable to me. I don’t want to explain to the ED doc that I broke my ankle or hit my head while standing on a bench and a folding chair with a belt and a bunch of plates hanging down between my legs.
If you haven’t ever used one of these, you may be surprised. A lot of people go into it thinking that it’ll be “easier” because of the name of the bar, and are surprised to find that it can present a uniquely challenging experience.
To me, the SSB Squat is WAY more difficult than a standard low-bar squat. I’ve come to really love it as a variation.
Austin - I notice that, on another day, the template says “Deadlift with Belt”. Just to confirm, that would be our ordinary deadlift? (Not a different thing, like the Belt Squat is different)
jfsully - That’s interesting. But I notice Andy Baker stablilizes himself with his arms. I would find the temptation overwhelming to use some upper strength (defeating the load).
I also notice that the back isn’t loaded, making the movement roughly similar to a leg press. My present gym has one of those, at least.