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This is just something I'll never understand. Some people say if you weigh more, you'll be able to squat more faster because you'll put on muscle faster (okay, I can buy that due to hormonal changes and stuff) and because you'll have better leverages.

WTF?  How?

It just doesn't make sense. If my upper body is heavier (from fat, or even from muscle), and I'm pushing with my legs, I'm pushing more weight. Otherwise, doing bodyweight squats with no barbell would be easy as hell for fat people.
If my arms weigh more (from fat), benching will not be easier because it's more weight pushing down. I'm working against gravity here. The only way it'll be easier is from a half inch less ROM from getting a bigger/fatter chest.
If my arms weigh more (from fat), rowing will not be easier because I'm pulling my arms up against gravity.

This "better leverage" crap for squatting coming from weight gain has to stop. The only way it would help is if you're working with gravity, like in a tricep pushdown. Otherwise, go ahead and put on a 30lb weight vest and see if you can reach a new PR in your squat because that new weight is giving you better leverage. Or you know what, wrap a weight belt around your thighs and see if that even helps. It won't, it makes it harder.

So you squat just with your legs?

Gain 25 pounds then come back to us. Weight gain is even more important on benching.

This is exactly what I did, but clearly, you're missing the point. I've gained 25lbs since last summer. I'll post before/after pics if you really want to see. My squat increased by about 85lbs since then. But you're missing the point.

How does gaining weight give you better leverages in squatting? If it gives me better leverages, can I simulate the effect of better leverages during squatting while wearing ankle weights, a weight vest, and a weight belt?

No.

Will gaining weight make it easier for me to increase my squat over time?

Yes.

But that's a different discussion.

Quote from: DamienZ on April 22, 2011, 06:02:06 pm

So you squat just with your legs?

Umm... legs and lower back, and that's it for the most part. What did you think?

Upper back can be a big issue with oly squatting, well actually any high bar style really, if you struggle to maintain a good thoracic arch which is fairly common.

Big dudes will also aid from better bounce at bottom of squat.  Bigger legs to rebound hams off calves (essentially limiting rom and more bounce) also rebound from gut on thighs.