Squat Depth?

O

Ou Whakami

0
Hi. How deep should I squat?

I like to squat right down till my thighs and calves squeeze together and I feel I can do this without unarching by back or coming off my heels. But this fulla at the gym told me that it wasn't as effective as going just bellow parallel as it allows a bit of bounce.

Do you reckon this is true? I can find a lot of information telling me to always squat below parallel, but it doesn't really elaborate after that.

Ta.
 
Squat like you are squatting but dont bounce. This would be the easiest solution. I squat just below parralel myself.
 
I like to squat right down till my thighs and calves squeeze together and I feel I can do this without unarching by back or coming off my heels. But this fulla at the gym told me that it wasn't as effective as going just bellow parallel as it allows a bit of bounce.

Do you reckon this is true?
Click to expand...

The squat is like most other exercises. There are a lot of different ways to do them. Squatting like you squat and squatting to just below parallel are both good. There are some differences.

You will be able to use more weight going just below parallel.

You will have better ROM and flexibility with the way you are currently squatting.

The bounce at the bottom like you are doing is not a bad thing either. I use that style sometimes because it makes my hips feel really good.

So the answer is -

1. You are not wrong. The way you are currently squatting is a good way to do it.

2. You could probably benefit from doing different types of squats. Sometimes just below parallel, sometimes without the bounce.

Just know that these seemingly small changes make a big difference and can benefit your training.
 
Wow so for the first time after putting about 1.5 inches under my heels i could squat and felt comfortable did 20 bodyweight reps with knees out, nice controlled movement no bouncing at the bottom just smooth effort up, i think i'll do this for 2 weeks and then take one piece of wood out, this is the reason i've avoided squatting because i couldn't get more then 1/4 depth w/o doing something hideously wrong, wood under heels BRILLIANT just brilliant.

/end rant on first time squatting correct while legs shake
 
Thanks for the information, I guess sometimes I will bounce and sometimes I won't. See how resilient I feel on the day.

Try some brief stretching before squatting to help work towards not needing your heels raised. Especially your hamstrings, groin and maybe calves.
 
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