I recently learned that good, safe squat form could change based on body proportions, specifically the factor femur/spine length ratio. How exactly does one measure them both (from where to where, I mean) and how should squat form (width of stance and angle of feet, mainly) change based on these proportions?
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Background: I'm 5'6", 155lbs. I'm doing SL 5x5 and while I keep reading that OHP is the first lift that I'll miss a rep on, I'm pretty sure it's going to be my squat. Since this is not common, it has made me wonder if my form is messed up. Not in the "you're going to break your back" way (I don't have any back or knee pain), but in the sense that I'm having trouble moving weight (my bodyweight) that I feel I shouldn't be having. Struggling has made me try new stances and feet angle, but I still haven't found my form.– erictrigoMar 7, 2016 at 9:33
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When you say your body weight, do you mean with no weights or with your body weight on the bar? How long have you been lifting in general? Squats specifically? Where did you get this information?– JaredW82Mar 7, 2016 at 14:40
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@JaredW82 I meant with my whole weight on the bar, so squatting 155lbs. I've only been squatting with a barbell for about a month and a half, since I started SL (with just the olympic bar). What information are you referring to?– erictrigoMar 7, 2016 at 14:56
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Never mind, I think hamza has got you covered– JaredW82Mar 7, 2016 at 15:49
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It can take a while to get a strong solid squat form, just keep at it and keep gaining weight whilst you do. That said struggling to squat your bodyweight isn't necessarily a problem. It's quite normal for some people. Be sure not to fall into the trap of thinking you must meet certain arbitrary strength numbers and that if you don't there is something wrong with you.– hamza_tmMar 7, 2016 at 16:50
1 Answer
Caveat: Proportions is an indicator of how your squat form could look. Actually measuring your limb and torso lengths and trying to mathematically deduce "correct" form is rarely beneficial, and can lead to someone trying too hard with a form that simply doesn't work for them.
This is partly because no one has a handle on all of the significant factors that will influence your squat form. For example, I have very long femurs and should theoretically do well with a wider stance allowing me to stay more upright and minimise back involvement. In real life however, a moderate stance allows me to generate the most power.
With that out of the way, for the purpose of experimentation, I find that this article provides some solid information and general guidelines on methods of squatting depending on your body proportions:
...the femur averages 26% of the body’s total height, so measure from your hip to the outside of your knee joint. Divide that number in inches or centimeters by your height in inches or centimeters. If you get .26 on the dot, then you’re average. If you get more than .26, you’re erring farther towards “long femured” and if you get less than .26, you’re erring farther towards “long torsoed.”
Then follow the guidelines on what you should do if long/short femured/torsoed.
Again, use such recommendations as a starting point, but be sure to experiment and find out what works for you and allows you to feel strong and squat to depth.
I should also mention that your "best" squat form can and often does change over time as you train.