Technique Check Thread

[Rodja]

Not without my knees past my toes

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Want a picture, since apparently my word isn't shit

I want video, not a picture.

[tallstraw]

Gimme a few, I'll get in my birthday suit too.

[Macdon1588]

Here's the problem with personal trainers:

It's too easy to become one and most of them don't know jack shit outside of what is taught in their textbook. First, going to failure on squats is not a good idea. As you already touched upon, most people's technique goes to hell and injury is possible. Second, thinking that squats are a quad exercise is 100% incorrect; it is a movement that engages the thighs, hips, and, to an extent, the core and upper back. Finally, half squats will most likely lead to imbalances and tightnesses in the hips and quads.

I am just experimenting with what works in terms of training to failure, and in this case perhaps a few half squats would enable me to get a point of failure safely. And don't get me wrong, I understand the many virtues of squats, but the fact remains squats are a weak point for me. If I follow conventional form with proper feet spacing, I never feel stable parallel or below it. Part of it is physiology and part is psychology. I hurt my back five years ago to the pain was unbearable and it took months to rehab it as well as a major life change so I baby my lower back... and stay weaker than acceptable. So I have started to use a wide stance and go as close to parallel as possible. It feels better and the last couple months I've seen growth, it just feels like I am cheating. Are there cons to a wide stance?

[Sorrow]

I am just experimenting with what works in terms of training to failure, and in this case perhaps a few half squats would enable me to get a point of failure safely. And don't get me wrong, I understand the many virtues of squats, but the fact remains squats are a weak point for me. If I follow conventional form with proper feet spacing, I never feel stable parallel or below it. Part of it is physiology and part is psychology. I hurt my back five years ago to the pain was unbearable and it took months to rehab it as well as a major life change so I baby my lower back... and stay weaker than acceptable. So I have started to use a wide stance and go as close to parallel as possible. It feels better and the last couple months I've seen growth, it just feels like I am cheating. Are there cons to a wide stance?

It isn't cheating. just a different style. It will also lead to muscle groups being targeted in different ways/angles. Also not really a bad thing. But if your doing them for physique reason be aware of that.

A few links, food for thought:

I May Not Know Diddley... But I Know Squat! | Dr. Squat - Dr. Fred Hatfield

A Case for Wide Squats

USA Powerlifting Online Newsletter

http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/cgi/...%2C%201991.%22

[Rodja]

I am just experimenting with what works in terms of training to failure, and in this case perhaps a few half squats would enable me to get a point of failure safely. And don't get me wrong, I understand the many virtues of squats, but the fact remains squats are a weak point for me. If I follow conventional form with proper feet spacing, I never feel stable parallel or below it. Part of it is physiology and part is psychology. I hurt my back five years ago to the pain was unbearable and it took months to rehab it as well as a major life change so I baby my lower back... and stay weaker than acceptable. So I have started to use a wide stance and go as close to parallel as possible. It feels better and the last couple months I've seen growth, it just feels like I am cheating. Are there cons to a wide stance?

If you've reached the point where you cannot do a full ROM squat, then you've already achieved failure. A wide stance requires more upkeep in terms of hip mobility and foam rolling, but it is by no means cheating as long as you hit depth (top of the patella parallel with the hip).

[Macdon1588]

Funny you mentioned foam rolling. The wife surprised me with a rumble roller. I'll work on the hip mobility stuff, and you also have a great point on the definition of failure in a squat. Thank you for your input.

[Macdon1588]

It isn't cheating. just a different style. It will also lead to muscle groups being targeted in different ways/angles. Also not really a bad thing. But if your doing them for physique reason be aware of that.

A few links, food for thought:

I May Not Know Diddley... But I Know Squat! | Dr. Squat - Dr. Fred Hatfield

A Case for Wide Squats

USA Powerlifting Online Newsletter

http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/cgi/...%2C%201991.%22

Thanks for these.

[Rodja]

I think the guy just doesn't want to squat. Like I said, if the guy can take a shit, then he can squat.

[Scope75]

I think the guy just doesn't want to squat. Like I said, if the guy can take a shit, then he can squat.

Squats and Deads are the main reasons I lift!!!
Both those lifts do so much more than just work out your body.

[derekh83]

Alot of it was mind set. I forced myself to like the squat and now that I see my hard work paying off I love them. Also my body is crazy pumped the next day and I feel like I gain 5lbs.