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.
4
votes
2answers
438 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
258 views
Program that includes both front squats and low-bar back squats
Are there any programs that include both front squats and low-bar back squats? They both seem to have athletic benefits, and it seems like it would be worth my time considering to train both around ...
4
votes
1answer
202 views
Rounding of the lower back while doing squats
I've been working with Starting Strength for a while now and although I've been taking lots of notes on form and watching videos wherever I can I can't stop rounding my back. I find that when I'm ...
3
votes
3answers
213 views
Where can I find instructions for doing back squats correctly?
I've looked around but there seems to be a lot of variety out there. Is there a widely accepted "best" set of instructions or video for doing squats correctly?
3
votes
2answers
472 views
Strange mark on shoulders after squatting
I was in the gym yesterday doing a relatively light session which included squatting on the smith machine. It was only about 130kg and I done about 3 sets of 8 reps.
I woke up this morning with an ...
3
votes
2answers
734 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
235 views
pistol squats: which kind of barbell squat helps the most
I want to train up to do a pistol squat, and am trying to follow the general advice outlined on the Beast Skills Tutorial, but I'm trying to understand which of the 3 major styles of squats (low bar ...
3
votes
1answer
287 views
Squat calf machine v/s free weights Squats: Efficiency and knee safety
I recently tried to squat using the squat calf machine and I found it very practical and efficient for when you are training alone without a spotter.
I have few questions:
What are the main ...
3
votes
2answers
853 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?
3
votes
3answers
955 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
200 views
Squat form: out or down?
What's the right to squat: Focus on driving up and down, or on sticking one's backside out?
From what guys at the gym say, and many pictures online, you need to be sticking yourself out. Yet from ...
3
votes
2answers
650 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
235 views
My leg pinches in to my hip when squatting
I'm doing barbell squats as described in Starting Strength.
When I get to a certain depth, I feel my thigh bone (femur?) pinching up against the inside of my pelvis, and feel like I can't go any ...
3
votes
0answers
35 views
How to integrate box squat to my weekly leg workout
I'm usually free squatting (8x) and leg pressing (4x)
For a change, and also to see whether I can improve 1-my hip flexors and 2- the bottom part of my squat, I want to include 4x box squatting, ...
2
votes
2answers
189 views
What can I do to improve my bench press and squat?
I have been working out for a while, my weight is about 150lbs (68kg) and i am about 5'7 (1.70m). I bench press about 135lbs (61kg) and i can squat 250 (113kg). My question is: what kind of exercises ...
2
votes
0answers
56 views
Cable Squats vs Smith Machine Squats
Are cable machine squats easier to do than squats on a Smith machine? I'm able to do about 220 pounds on the cables, but I'm doubtful whether I'll be able to replicate the results on a Smith machine. ...
1
vote
3answers
494 views
Substitute for squats and squat jumps that put less stress on knees
Are there exercises (or sequences of exercises) which work the same muscle groups as regular squats or squat jumps with comparable intensity, but which put less stress on the knee (are safer for the ...
1
vote
3answers
216 views
Is bouncing when lifting dangerous?
Some books recommend a gentle bounce when bench pressing or squatting. This feels wrong to me. It feels safer and more controlled to come to a complete stop, then start up again. What should I do?
1
vote
1answer
129 views
Barbell squat breathing problem
Being in a good shape it's sometimes for me hard to breathe (I need to breath more and deeper) after doing barbell squats, especially after long omissions. Almost none of other exercises make me feel ...
1
vote
1answer
407 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
328 views
Squats: Should your knees never go past your toes? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the key to avoid injury when squatting with your body weight?
I've heard that when you are doing squats, your knees should not go past your toes. However, two ...
