squats

[pebblegrain]

Originally Posted by marg

i suppose a 635 deadlift, 515 squat, and a 405 bench isn't too heavy at a 245 bodyweight... i have a bulging disc from a car accident so i can't lift too heavy anymore. if i can figure out how to post it, i have a video of the dead on my old cellphone.

you have to purposefully stay tight, inhale on the way down, forcefully exhale on the extention/way up. powerlifting is a completely different animal. for bodybuilding, however, breathing is very important.

fatbuff much? i keed

 

[marg]

haha i am now. i was pinched at 10.8% then. i grew up a fatass with a big eastern european frame so i put on muscle pretty easily. the fat melted with chicken and brown rice...

 

[horton]

Originally Posted by marg

looking down makes it much more likely for a beginner to round the back. i don't mean look straight up, but look up at a 45 degree angle. i'm not familiar with starting strength, but it looks like a legit book. i learned to lift from a competitive powerlifter and former mr. universe competitors. i'm not saying that validates my advice because many competitors are just genetic freaks that know very little. i only mention what worked for me because i believe it's the best way. just like financial advice, everyone has a system that works. i think looking up is less risky.

FWIW, i have never had a problem with my stability, nor did the handful i taught to successfully squat in a day or so. i also think that my way is safer considering the many trainers that also advise to look up.

books also tell people terrible advice like putting weights under your heels to get that initial balance down, too. the book doesn't mention the extra stress this puts on the knee tendons.

Not a fan of this advice. Looking up is not good. Just think of keeping your chest up and you'll be fine . Likewise, I agree with the other posters. Don't breath during the rep, and in fact it may be better to hold your breath for at least a couple of reps.

I'd also recommend pointing your toes out some (like 30 degrees) and make sure to press your knees out sideways. This will recruit more leg muscles.

 

[stylenooob]

Originally Posted by marg

you have to purposefully stay tight, inhale on the way down, forcefully exhale on the extention/way up. powerlifting is a completely different animal. for bodybuilding, however, breathing is very important.
Squatting should be done the same whether it's for power or for mass. You absolutely should not be inhaling or exhaling during a rep. Breath between reps as necessary.

Originally Posted by TrH

Compared to the alternative (lazy) grip, having a good rack position is crucial in the front squat to maintain the bar over the middle of the foot. It might take some getting used to but the clean grip is a necessity.
Yes. Front squatting with a cross grip is a bad idea.

 

[youngScholar]

Manton, have you tried standing on a platform to add some depth to your DB squats?

 

[Manton]

OK, I did this with the dumbells on my shoulders. Very different experience. In some respects harder, in some easier.

Are my feet supposed to point straight forward? I find that I can't bend low when I do that. They need to point out a little.

 

[Lagrangian]

Originally Posted by Manton

Are my feet supposed to point straight forward?

Nope.

Originally Posted by Manton

I find that I can't bend low when I do that. They need to point out a little.

You're right on the money here. If you're using a medium width stance pointing the toes out is good.

 

[Manton]

OK, thanks.

 

[bach]

what kind of shoes do you guys wear when squatting heavy weights?

 

[Kajak]

Originally Posted by bach

what kind of shoes do you guys wear when squatting heavy weights?

I was about to say converse, but thats not right. Allstars or something similar - were cheap so idgaf.

 

[bbaquiran]

Originally Posted by bach

what kind of shoes do you guys wear when squatting heavy weights?

Define "heavy"?

Anyway I trained in cheap Umbro indoor football shoes for a couple of years until my cat pissed in them. Right now the only training shoes I have are VFFs so that's what I am using.

 

[javyn]

Wear Chucks. Shoes with air in the soles can be bad for your knees with all that weight. Edit: Progressing well w/ my squats, I feel conditioned enough that last night I finally decided to incorporate deadlifts into my workouts. WOW. Kicked ******. Probably won't be able to work out again for another week now, I look forward to being conditioned enough to be able to work out 3 days a week every other day. Right now it's taking 7-10 days to heal. As far as keeping the back straight, don't confuse keeping the back straight (which you want) with keeping the back vertical (which you DON'T want). Figure on the left is exactly what you should mimic, head position, everything.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by bach

what kind of shoes do you guys wear when squatting heavy weights?

barefoot usually... or chuck taylors.

 

[marg]

i used to use my old wrestling shoes. anything flat will work well. as others have mentioned, chucks are a great choice.

 

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

barefoot usually... or chuck taylors.

People were giving me dirty looks at the gym when I was doing this. Now, I use chucks...