Squat posts... how far do you REALLY go down????

[SANDMAN5150]

Yes I I agree with all of you Glutes to the Soleus.....after really doing some reading and really reading all points of view I believe this is the best form. I use to be very conscious about "if I was going parallel" or not and this powerlifter at the gym just flat out told me, "If your so fucking worried about it just go to the pocket but don't bounce at the bottom or you will have problems with your knees....and I don't have to hear about it anymore..." I got motivated with this and Gents, "yes to the pocket" even though a certain trainer at the gym stated that I am going to have an ass like Jennifer Lopez.........

 

[Lord_Suston]

I go about 2-4 inches below parallel on high bar squats and I touch my calves when doing front squats. Citrus I doubt it will affect you in the long run. The reason I touch is to keep the pressure of my knees, I found once you go past parallel you kness are fine since your hips take the extra slack....

 

[needsize]

I think you guys have all seen this, but it shows how far down I squat. Yes I know I'm leaning a bit but it was the first time I squatted 435 for reps

my squat

 

[louden_swain]

It depends whether or not I use a box. If I squat below parallel, it is difficult for me to keep my back vertical since I have long legs and a short upper body. Also I use a standard stance about shoulder width.

I usually squat down where the bottom of the ass is in line with the center of the knee meaning that the top of the thigh is inclined about 5 to 10 degrees.

If I am working on overloading the legs, I will sometimes throw in a heavy set of half squats.

Overall I am a bodybuilder and not a powerlifter so squatting below parallel is not essential towards my leg training. I also use heavy leg presses in my training with reps ranging between 8 and 15.

If I do squat below parallel, I typically use 60 percent of my max.

 

[WarriorPL]

Very nice needsize!

My squats to to the damn floor... as low as i can. Pretty much like needsize's squat. I refuse to put on more weight until i can do my current weight to the damn floor. I've been doing them for only 4 weeks now too.

 

[gymtime]

I get as low as I can, always past parallel. Like Bfold, I'm taller and have naturally big legs and butt, so I don't have a great deal of flexibility. Also, I don't lift near what I used to when I hit parallel or above. But since I've cut the weight and started going low, the difference is considerable. And no knee problems either

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Good shi* needsize. Looks a little good morning like but all else was tremendous.

Just came out of a leg workout. Once again, another visit to the bowl during the workout. Never the less a great workout. Been having a lot of those lately.

 

[bignate73]

Nate, do you touch your soleus on your 1RM? Or do you do 1RM?

And will it hurt me because I am only going just below parellel on my front squats?

C-ditty

the only way i count it as my 1RM is if i go full ROM.

with front squats it should be easier to go all the way down, since your torso sits much more upright. if you are having trouble getting in the hole, make sure your adductor flexibility is good and also your stretch your soleus. i always sit down at rock bottom position and push my knees out with my elbows as a warmup. i look for any "binding" or things inhibiting a smooth squat and stretch it before i begin.

 

[Citruscide]

Ok, I've looked at some people who went with Glutes to Soleus... and I have a question, do you keep you feet firmly on the ground? or are you benching off your toes? Meaning, can you touch your glutes to your soleus if your heels are on the ground?

My heels are firmly on the ground, I go down past parellel... I know that much... I agree... I can't stop at parellel... it doesn't seem "natural" -- but I tried to just squat down with no weight, my heels planted firm and touch my ass to my soleus and I fell over backwards... my roommate does it and he is on his toes...

Just curious.

C-ditty

 

[Hannibal]

1" below parallel...everytime. Only way I know this is that I box squat. So I know I hit the same height everytime. Usually on the last set of speed squats I will take a mat out...which puts me 2" below parallel.

Of course I'm not squatting to cause hypertrophy. I do accessory work for that.