[mvillelifter]

I usually just pick up the weight and squat but I have trouble going below parallel......so for the first time I put a board under my heals yesterday and I was able to go ass to grass....it was really exciting.....just felt like sharing that......anyone else use a board????? I'm guessing that lifting shoes have a big heal on them??

[Beefcake]

When you squat, your heels should be on the ground, if I'm not mistaken. But when I do squats, I wear work boots so incase I have to drop the weight, I won't break my toes.

[GG1]

the only thing i use for my heels is a move i learned from the jay cutler's most recent training video.

while doing underhand lat pulldowns i throw dimes under my heels to keep me stable and from moving around while under the knee support, i feel it helps pretty good.

squats i just go flatfooted with my head looking at the ceeling..it makes me forget how low i really am to the floor lol

[Masko AA]

boards are good to use b/c you can go deeper and keep your back straight.

[mabo]

I've always heard that using boards to raise your heels increases the sheering stress behind the patella.

mvillelifter, you are correct that weightlifting shoes have a raised heel, mine are raised about a 1/4 inch. Boots designed for powerlifting, however, are the same height the same way through. Different shoes for different purposes.

[Beefcake]

^^Smart man Mabo. I use my wrestling boots, which are like powerlifting boots, because they have a flat bottom. If I could, I'd do deads and squats barefoot.