Questions on squatting

Power12 · 07-11-2008, 09:47 PM

From what I've read on squatting you are supposed to sit back, and let the weight rest near the heel of the foot. I am able to do way more weight right now when I sit more straight down, and have the weight closer to the front of the foot, where I feel most of the my quads.
Is that wierd, I've read you're supposed to be able to do more the other way. Is there something wrong I'm doing?

One more question. For squatting right now I am doing 5x5 once per week. The reason is doing more reps like sets of 10, I am completely fucked for the rest of the week, ridiculously sore. Is this a good strategy, or do you guys think I'd be better off going with higher reps. I squat full range of motion.

F-111 · 07-12-2008, 04:15 AM

squatting with bad form leads to injuries mate. It shouldn't matter if you can lift more by doing the movement with bad form, you should always be aiming to correctly execute the squat, especially if going heavy (which im assuming you are with your 5x5).

Don't let the knees travel over the toes, sit your hips back and push the weight through your heels. Have a look around the internet or BB.com for some videos showing correct form. trust me your body will love you for it later on down the track.

How long have you been training, what does you leg routine look like, whats your diest like, all these are factors in why you are/are not getting sore. if you can give us that info we will be able to help a bit more.

Peace

**Freak** · 07-12-2008, 08:48 AM

I strongly disagree with the advice of not letting your knees go past your toes because it isn't applicable for tall people. The main concern for proper squatting is proper back alignment.

Set your feet a little farther than shoulder width apart. Find a comfortable foot position. Look up at the ceiling. You want to push through your heels. Also do some hamstring stretches that will help range of motion.

Do more reps with lighter weight until you get the form down.

JDuB · 07-12-2008, 09:37 AM

Like Freak said its nearly impossible for you to keeping your knee from going past your toes, if you aim for your knee not to pass your toes you will find your leaning forward which changes your center of gravity putting you out of form and placing all the stress on your back.
What you want is to try keep your knee inline with your toes.

F-111 · 07-12-2008, 08:09 PM

Lol, i just actually read what i typed. Ops, agreed^^ my bad.

**Freak** · 07-12-2008, 08:19 PM

np, that works for people who have short legs.

**ibanezman88** · 07-12-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freak

I strongly disagree with the advice of not letting your knees go past your toes because it isn't applicable for tall people. The main concern for proper squatting is proper back alignment.

HELL YEAH! been wanting to say that shit for the loooongest time but didn't feel like arguing. dammit man. that's awesome!

Set your feet a little farther than shoulder width apart. Find a comfortable foot position. Look up at the ceiling. You want to push through your heels. Also do some hamstring stretches that will help range of motion.

Do more reps with lighter weight until you get the form down.

HELL YEAH MAN

Power12 · 07-12-2008, 09:34 PM

Thanks guys, I think this answered my question. I guess my thing was I could do a lot more weight with bad form, but I'll stick to the good form at
135lb which is what I have been using. The wierd thing is I do not have chicken legs, my legs are decent sized mainly from a lot of playing sports, running and sprinting, I am just really bad at squats.

**Freak** · 07-12-2008, 10:26 PM

Start with the bar if you have to. You will quickly add weight, its just mastering the form.

**ibanezman88** · 07-13-2008, 02:45 AM

yup
when i first tried to master front squats, i tried with just the bar first and quit.

not only did it hurt my delts way too much but i was having trouble balancing the barbell and i said to myself, there's no way i can do this with weight without injuring myself.

little by little i practiced every week and slowly added some weight.

now i'm reppin' out 225lbs on front squats.

**chrispghmuscle** · 07-13-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanezman88

yup
when i first tried to master front squats, i tried with just the bar first and quit.

not only did it hurt my delts way too much but i was having trouble balancing the barbell and i said to myself, there's no way i can do this with weight without injuring myself.

little by little i practiced every week and slowly added some weight.

now i'm reppin' out 225lbs on front squats.

Guess I better get back on them then..I had the same issue with my delts to Iban.. Ok....back to the rack for me.. lol..

Chris