Buddhas Enlightening 5x5 Log

[buddhabuilder]

Thank you guys. With some of the other things I'm struggling with right now, namely finding a job, it's nice to have your camaraderie in this struggle. I'll post the videos from tomorrow that I do with the boots on. If it proves effective maybe I'll look into proper Rx heel lifts or something. Let's keep fighting!

"The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff."

 

[zedhed]

Good luck on the job front bro.

 

[buddhabuilder]

Here are some videos of my Squat form with 1" plates under my heels. First from the side which looks pretty good. Barbell in a fairly straight vertical motion up and down.

MOV06426 - YouTube

Now, here from the back. This is after watching the first 4 sets after doing them and trying to make adjustments. Even the bar seems to go a little off balance as I try to even up my form. I felt a difference in my lower back, not discomfort just like a warm stretch-like sensation in my right lower back.

MOV06424 - YouTube

I went for the wider power stance that Zedhed mentioned in his post, and it seemed to help. Tell me what you think. I'm glad to be addressing this while the weight is still light.

 

[zedhed]

Hey bro from the side you look pretty dam good.
From the back I see exactly what your saying about favoring one side.
Do this.
Get that bar more toward your shoulder blades. Its too high on your neck for a power squat, and its not good for your neck.
Widen out your stance even more by at least a few inches on each side. Also point your toes out just a little bit if you can with your issue.
Drop weight down to 135 for now and really concentrate on getting yourself even on both sides.
I know you dont wanna drop weight but for now bite the bullet and just go on an do it.
I would start out by overcompensating for the side your off on. In other words try to get that compensation over to the other side. Then when you get that you can worry about being even.

 

[joeblow12345]

I watched the form vids. Your bending at the waist to hit depth. This is bad for your spine. You need to keep your chest high and sit back when you squat. When you get bear depth drive your knees out. And your weight should be distributed on your heels and outside of your feet. There is a video series on the youtubes called "so you think you can squat", I suggest watching the series. There is alot of good info on there. They explain every aspect of the squat. I would also look up mobility wod, they have a bunch of mobility vids to watch.

NTBM REP

 

[buddhabuilder]

Thanx for the feedback guys. Much appreciated in every way. After watching the videos from Friday I started thinking about trying a stretch movement with the smith machine, so I went in today to try it. I went with the super wide stance that Zedhed suggested for everything I'll post here. First the Smith machine stretch. I put the bar where I could grab it at the small of my back while standing. I put my hands snug on either side of me in order to make it impossible for my balance to sway out either way. I put a box below me as a target and worked it, going for a good stretch, but not forcing it as hard as I could have. This helped me develop a better feel for what good Squat form should be like. I also was able to follow some bullet points I took down from the video series Joe mentioned. From the top of my head to my feet, it has already had a huge impact on my form. Check it out. First the stretch.

MOV06462 - YouTube

After doing this for about 20 minutes, I went over to the cage. I set the box down, and put a thinner one on its end behind it, dead center, to use as a guide. With the empty bar I continued to work on form. I was stretching muscles I didn't know I had, and all with no lift under my heels!

MOV06464 - YouTube

So, I feel ready for tomorrow. When I first read Zedhed's recommendation to go down to 135 my immediate reaction was, "No fucking way!". But the fact of the matter is, you haven't steered me wrong yet, so I'll do it. Just another example of moving out of my comfort zone, which always leads to growth, no matter what it involves. Check out the videos and let me know what you think. I'll throw a couple up tomorrow with weight on the bar.

"The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff."

 

[buddhabuilder]

Alright, here is the wide form with 135 lbs. I know I walk back pretty far to start, but I have to to get to a part of the cage where I can spread my feet this far. I think I'm getting a little deeper as I continue to challenge this approach. I did the Smith machine stretch for 10 minutes before moving into these sets. Focusing on keeping the pressure on the outside of the feet and heels.

MOV06478 - YouTube

Let me know how I'm doing. Thanx again....

 

[zedhed]

Not too bad bro.
What did you do to your right leg? What was the injury?

Also at home try this.
Duck walks. Drop down into a squat, full squat atg...then walk. do this every chance you get. At first you will prolly not get to atg but over time you will.
If you cant take steps then just sit in that position for as long as you can bear it.
Do not add weight to your squat yet. I will tell you when to.
Also try Front Squats to just past parallel and let me know what you think.

 

[buddhabuilder]

I crushed my right ankle getting broadsided while on a motorcycle. It was 30 years ago so my body has found ways to work around the limited motion. I assume it is all this conditioning that I am challenging to find form on this. Never Give Up!

 

[zedhed]

Ok then consider this. That may just be the way you squat to a point bro. I mean I would def try to get it as good as I could but then realize that your not gonna be perfect and go on with it.
Thats exactly what i had to do in my case with my left knee.