Having a terrible time with pistols...

[Xuchilbara]

Balance and stabilizing muscles strength are my biggest weaknesses and I'm having a very difficult time overcoming them, especially when it comes to doing pistols. I cannot even go into a squat without my leg buckling out from under me.

I know many people who are out of shape and can't even do pull ups do hangs until they get their strength up, so my question is, is there some sort of intermediate motion I can use to build my strength and balance up in order to do pistols?

[Revok]

Just hold onto something throughout (I used to stand in my powerrack and hold the pins). You can progressively reduce your grip finger by finger, then use just one hand, then eventually you'll be able to establish your balance at earlier stages of the rep. Remember pistols are as much a skill as a strength feat. There's a learning curve.

[kyokushin_Nero]

Try leaning forward slightly when you sit back & squat.

And bend your free leg a little, that might help you a little.

And hey, if your hand touches the ground every once in a while. It wont matter, keep doing them. Great workout.

[FlameBoy]

Ive got Olympic rings that I get people to do pistols off of.

If you havent got those - I also use a bjj belt attachedcto a chin up bar - anything that you can help provide upward force to your downward motion of the pistol.

ope that helps