Weighted Pistols - last resort

[ro]

I've tried variations of squats and tried mixing the squat section of different training programs with the 5x5.

I've tried: back squats without a squat rack, but got to a weight where i couldn't power clean it anymore.
I've tried: 1x20 back squats from squats and milk with back squats, got to a weight where i couldn't power clean it anymore.
I've tried: 5x5 with hack squats, got to a weight where i found it easy but couldn't add on anymore weight due to not having heavy enough plates, and no money to buy new ones.

I moved house, no space for squat rack, no money for gym.

Now the only thing i can think of are weighted pistols. One legged squats must be hard, and it will be a while till i can add weight. Once i can add weight i could wear a rucksack and fill it up with plates to make it more challenging. This should be pretty hard shouldnt it?

If i could do this in place of back squats. should i continue doing it with 5x5?

Also, will doing pistols increase my running speed, or just give me more power?

Thanks for any replies, hoping i'll get a few as this is the only thing i can think of.

[oi_joe]

sounds like a good idea to me

[Love_Deadlifts]

Pistols are very difficult. Go for it at 5x5 i say. Once you can do that, you can hold a plate at arms length and that should hold you for a while.

[Tikuane]

What about split squats?

[Mihael]

Have you considered glute ham raises ? Perhaps the hardest lower body exercise, and kills the hamstrings.

[Young Athlete]

Pistols, Lunges, Glute Ham raises = Killer lower body work

[ro]

Cheers for the advice lads.

[grambo]

Do you have dumbells? You can do pistols with a DB in each hand. I find pistols extremely hard with any weight, so I'd think with even light DB's you'd be good for a while, or holding a plate infront of you.

[ro]

Dumbell Pistols it is

I've got a question though, what should i do for the imbalance in my legs?

My right leg is quite a bit stronger than my leg, how should i go about evening this imbalace?

[grambo]

I have the same problem (right leg stronger than left). I always try to train them the same on single leg work, e.g. same weight/rep for each leg. I've been told this is the best way to go rather than trying to train the weaker leg harder.

[Love_Deadlifts]

I'd say train your weaker leg first and just match sets and reps with your stronger one.