give me a simple straight answer on squats..

R

RandyRhoads

0
Are ass to the grass squats bad for you knees or not? This has been debated over a lot of forums many times, but no one agrees on it. So are they bad or not?
 
No, they are not bad for your knees at all. This was discussed a couple of days ago around here, I'll try to find it
 
All of my favorites coaches prescribe full squats for the most part. I still use powerlifting squats to get heavier loads every so often.

I find what's "best" alittle tiresome after awhile, do both. Just like HIIT Vs LISS or Fullbody Vs Splits. Why not use all of them, it keeps things more interesting.
 
newf said:
All of my favorites coaches prescribe full squats for the most part. I still use powerlifting squats to get heavier loads every so often.

I find what's "best" alittle tiresome after awhile, do both. Just like HIIT Vs LISS or Fullbody Vs Splits. Why not use all of them, it keeps things more interesting.
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what is LISS? I do HIIT but i have never heard of LISS.
 
IMHO...there is no need for "ass to the grass" squats.

Getting your upper leg parallel with the ground is more than enough range of motion to complete a good squat.
 
Im with LV on this one. At least until your become very confident in your form. A big problem is that many people who do go ATG end up straining their backs on the raise. Im super tall so my ROM for squats is really tough on my back.

Keep your knees above your feet/ankles, stick your ass way out, and keep your head UP! Dont be a hero either if you are new to the ATGs.. Start with a light weight because its amazing how much more strain is added when you go lower than parallel.
 
Weird, this was the subject of a newsletter sent to me by maximuscle today :eek:

Squats: How low should you go?

Q: I hope you can put an end to a debate about squatting that I've been having with two buddies. One buddy says you should never go past parallel, while another says you have to go to the floor. Which one of my buddies is right?

A: How deep to go during the squatting movement has long been a topic of concern for bodybuilders. One belief is that full-depth squats (when your thighs are past parallel to the floor) can be used to place more emphasis on hamstring and overall leg development.

To answer the question of how squatting depth affects muscle activation, researchers from the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, conducted a study using experienced lifters. Using electromyography (EMG), the researchers measured muscle activity in the quads, hamstrings, and glutes of the subjects during partial, parallel, and full-depth squats.

The results show that as squat depth increases, the gluteus maximus becomes more active during the concentric (upward) phase of the lift. Surprisingly, the contributions of the other muscles tested didn't differ with increased squat depth.

These findings suggest that full-depth squats may not be as effective in emphasizing hamstring development as some people believe. To help build powerful legs without putting excessive stress on the gluteus maximus or the lumbar region, find a range of motion that best suits your body's biomechanics.

If you're unsure of proper form, make sure you consult a reputable strength and conditioning expert.

Source: Muscular Development
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Karky said:
full squat, below parallell hits the glutes more.
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Which is exactly why I do them, I have different hammy exercises.


Although I'm gonna have to agree with newf, having both of them in your arsenal is best. I do powersquats when I go for my 1RM.

Another note, if you do any squat with bad form you risk injury, not just ATG
 
do squats get any easier ? im trying to build up my legs (and make up for my over built upperbody) but doing squats kills me.

Plus how long does it take to build up your legs ? and how many times should i lift weights per week ? twice, three times ?
 
irishboy80 said:
do squats get any easier ? im trying to build up my legs (and make up for my over built upperbody) but doing squats kills me.

Plus how long does it take to build up your legs ? and how many times should i lift weights per week ? twice, three times ?
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You should make a new thread, there are way too many questions there to tack onto this post, and we need more info of exactly what you're doing too
 
This is entirely dependant on how good your form is. If your knees are in front of your toes by more than 1 or 2 inches through your squat, then you are crushing your meniscus at the bottom. If not, then it is fine as long as you are keeping tension throughout, and not resting at the bottom.
 
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