One of the most effective exercises, and one of the three major power lifts (if using a barbell). Questions are about effective technique, variations, and programs for squatting with or without resistance.
10
votes
1answer
2k views
My knee is clicking when I do squats - should I worry?
I remember that I have always, even back in primary school, avoided anything similar to squats as my knees would do an audible 'click' every time I got low enough. It's not painful, or even ...
11
votes
2answers
957 views
Leg exercises that complement squats?
I believe in balancing the amount of exercise that I give to each muscle group, but recently it occurred to me that my leg muscles might be imbalanced. More than anything, squats are the number one ...
1
vote
1answer
442 views
Over-exaggerated posture during squats?
Whenever I do squats I am so intent on making a straight back I feel like I am over-exaggerating my posture. The end result is, instead of a slouched back I feel like my back is arching to far in the ...
3
votes
2answers
935 views
How does the angle of the squat machine affect muscle activation?
I've seen incline, decline, and horizontal squat machines at the gym. Does each one activate different muscles or are they effectively the same?
4
votes
3answers
516 views
Form Check on Squats: Elbow Tension
After performing squats I often feel elbow soreness (or perhaps extreme fatigue). I'd like to see if anyone can offer form corrections that might help reduce the strain, or if my form looks OK, then ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
What are some good stretches to help with squatting?
It seems a lot of form problems with the squats are caused by inadequate flexibility - I think mainly in the hamstrings and also the shoulders.
What are some good stretches that can be used to ...
26
votes
8answers
3k views
How deep should a squat be?
Recently, I've read some articles that suggest that you should go below 90 degrees.
On the other hand, I've talked with a trainer in my gym, and he usually places a bench behind him so that he ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
Do short Achilles tendons disturb my squatting?
I have trouble maintaining proper form while performing below-parallel squats: I can't bring my knees forward enough without lifting my heels from the ground. My trainer claims that this is caused by ...
9
votes
4answers
9k views
Effect of squat and dead lift on long distance running
I've primarily been a long distance runner, but I have recently started incorporating swimming and upper body exercises into my weekly exercise program.
My latest addition is compound exercises like ...
3
votes
2answers
673 views
Herniated disc prohibits squats. What are alternative exercises?
I have a herniated disc...I went to doctor and told me that I could still lift weights as long as I don't do squats because of all the pressure that compress at the disc.
What is a another ...
7
votes
4answers
33k views
Persistent mild knee pain due to squats - push through or stop?
Over the last 2 months or so of doing heavy squats (200 lbs - 262 lbs) I've frequently had pain in my knees. During the last 2 weeks, it's been especially persistent and seems to be mostly in my left ...
5
votes
2answers
4k views
How can I increase shoulder flexibiity for squats & snatches?
I have noticed flexbility is a big issue for me in squatting as well as snatching (I cannot snatch at all currently).
For example, if I squat with no weight, I cannot complete a squat with my arms ...
5
votes
2answers
5k views
Are there any exercises to strengthen and stop cracking in the knees?
I have cracking knees especially in my left knee and sometimes in the right one too, but not much. I have checked it they said it's nothing but it's uncomfortable. I dont like the feeling when ...
3
votes
2answers
750 views
Should I use safety squat bars?
My gym has a safety squat bar, like this one:
So far, I've been sticking with the normal bar, but was wondering if there are reasons to should switch over.
I'm not currently experiencing any pain ...
4
votes
2answers
459 views
Are there any dumbbell exercises equivalent to the basic squat?
I'm considering buying a good set of dumbbell weights (pro tip: get them on craigslist) and a bench so that I can work out at home. However, I'm a big fan of the squat, but I don't want to have to ...
3
votes
3answers
966 views
Do the heavy squats in crossfit endurance program help with running performance
I'm about to start training for a 15km trail run and am wondering if the crossfit endurance program is effective. Is it worth getting a gym membership so I can do the heavy squats and deadlifts ...
6
votes
4answers
3k views
How can I keep my balance while doing squats?
When I do squats, I place my feet slightly wider than shoulder width, pointed outwards at about 30 degrees. I still have trouble keeping my balance going all the way down without bending forward ...
7
votes
2answers
3k views
Better for arm growth to train arms on the same day as squats?
I've read that squats and deadlifts promote overall muscle growth in the body. Does this mean that if I want to increase growth faster in, say, my arms, I should exercise my arms on the same day as I ...
4
votes
2answers
552 views
Buying barbell / rack
I want to buy a barbell and a squat rack so I can lift at home but looking around there's so many to choose from its overwhelming. I just need to know:
Which brands are trusted and recommended?
...
6
votes
3answers
438 views
barbell squat wrist problems
One of the aspects that the Starting Strength book emphasizes a good deal is that the wrists should be straight when doing the squat (see point 3, as well as the wrists of the guy in all the cartoons ...
5
votes
4answers
593 views
strengthing and improving flexibility in heels
I've got one of those lazy "Ididntexerciseinalongtime" heels which is causing improper form on my squats. I've spoken to some knowledgeable fellas at my gym and they pinpointed my weakness in my ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
How to reduce shoulder soreness during and after squats
When I do squats, I find that my shoulders are often very sore (from the weight of the bar) afterward, and sometimes shoulder soreness becomes as much a limiting factor during exercise as the ...
