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Zane Blaster Squats

Before describing how to use the Zane Leg Blaster, a bit of history is in order. This device was originally known as the Moore Leg Blaster. The shape of the weight yoke was slightly different and the device for holding the yoke for loading was not self-standing. Frank Zane purchased the design and rights to it, modifying it to the form that you see in the photo.

To use the Zane Leg Blaster:

Insert the yoke into the designated slot on the "squat tower." Load the pegs evenly to the desired weight. Squat down sufficiently low to allow the padded arms of the yoke to rest on the shoulders. Once the yoke is securely in place on the shoulders, stand up.

Lightly grasp the cross arm of the squatting tower while standing on the foot tread. (It is adjustable for height) While maintaining straight arms, lower into a squatting movement to the desired depth and then recover. Make a conscious effort to avoid pulling with the arms. (You may also squat in a free movement, by crossing your hands across your chest and holding the arms of the yoke but balance may be challenging.)

Grasping the upright or lightly resting the hands on the upright, serves to eliminate balance issues and lets the trainee concentrate on maintaining an erect torso. It also makes "pushing through the heels" much easier to accomplish with the balance assist from the arms. Finally, the device is "self-spotting" and very safe. If you get stuck in the hole, just pull yourself up with an assist from the arms.

A rather effective "Sissy Squat" variation may be done by placing the feet close to the base of the upright. Then the trainee leans back on both the descent and ascent of the squatting movement. This minimizes the contribution of the gluteus and serves to place the stress lower down on the quadriceps mass (the vastus group.)

If your back or balance issues prevent you from successfully squatting with a conventional bar, this device can be a very effective replacement for the conventional back squat.

The "Poor Man's" Zane Leg Blaster

True confessions time, folks. I'm too chea..er, uh, FRUGAL to spend the money for a Frank Zane Leg Blaster. Here's what I do to replicate the movement, without actually purchasing the machine.

I use a hip belt rather than the padded steel harness. Plates are hung from the chain loops as desired and the chains are secured by boat snap fasteners. The hip belt isolates the legs better without needing as much weight, as well as removing the stress from the lower back. I secure a dumbbell bar through one of the uprights of my power cage at approximately the lower pectoral line, this replaces the weight tower and upright of the Zane unit.

It's a simple matter to adjust foot position and spacing to achieve different effects, while using the dumbbell bar through the upright for balance. Maybe it's not as convenient...but then, it's only money, right?