Adding chains to the barbell work when squatting?

Hi Thomas,

The whole concept of weight lifting chains was brought about by Louis Simmons of the Westside Barbell Club in Columbus, Ohio. This gym was renowned for it's approach to Power lifting. However don't get me wrong, they have there place in all sorts of training be that just pure hypertrophy (muscle building)/Power/Strength or Endurance.

The theory with the lifting chains are that the strongest part of the lift is the top third of extension, this is were the chains fit in and are perfect, whilst performing for example a squat as you are in the lower phase of the squat, most of the chains will be in contact with the floor therefore having not affect on the weight of the barbell, however as you extend through your squat the chains will be elevated of the floor therefore putting a seemingly heavier than you think load on the bar during your strongest phase. Because the chains may have left the floor, this is a great core workout as well as a great variation to just loading the barbell with plates and one I find more effective for breaking training plateau's on legs.