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
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 ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
Is it normal when starting squats to not have flexible enough ankles?
I've read a lot lately that if I want to build a lot of strength and start thinking seriously about putting on some size that I should use squats as a core workout. I'm only 65kg (143 pounds) and have ...
6
votes
2answers
343 views
What is the key to avoid injury when squatting with your body weight?
After seeing the suggestions about sport/exercise which are less stressful, or even good for my knees, I chose squatting. From the suggestions, it can be done with minimal space and equipment at my ...
6
votes
6answers
2k views
Exercises that can replace squats?
I've got a friend that's somewhat interested in doing Stronglifts, but for personal reasons she's utterly terrified of tearing up her knees from doing squats. I've tried to convince her otherwise but ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
What are some good 5x5 programs I can follow?
I'm looking to start a 5x5 program because I've heard that there are great benefits for beginners just starting to get into weight lifting. What are some good programs, and how can I pick the one ...
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 ...
10
votes
5answers
4k views
Dangerous to use barbell squat without padding?
Are you supposed to use foam padding on the bar when doing barbell squats? The answer seems inconsistent even from the same professional bodybuilder. I've seen Arnold Schwarzenegger sometimes go bare ...
18
votes
3answers
801 views
Shoes for Weightlifting
What shoes have you found to be most effective for exercises like squats and deadlifts etc.?
11
votes
2answers
909 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 ...
10
votes
3answers
243 views
Light-headedness after squats
My final set of squats has me going until I can do no more. I usually stop when I feel one more rep may or may not might be possible, but it's going to totally wipe me out trying. I usually sense that ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
I missed a Starting Strength workout and squats are getting intense - should I change my schedule?
As recommended by SS (Starting Strength) I am running workouts A and B, alternating every other day. However, with only a two day break in between squats I feel like I haven't fully recovered most of ...
9
votes
1answer
207 views
Squats and deadlifts after knee surgery
I'm 22 years old and had knee surgery almost 7 months ago to fix damaged cartilage (I was a distance runner). The damaged cartilage was right in the weight bearing portion of my knee (medial femoral ...
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 ...
6
votes
1answer
377 views
Squats vs Stairs - Whats the difference?
Why is it that when I squat (400lbs) I can do all of my sets with no ill after effects. Even one legged squats (up to 200lbs) cause me no problems other than maybe DOMS.
When I climb stairs I find ...
6
votes
3answers
430 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
334 views
My back goes horizontal (forward) when squatting
When squatting, my back is too horizontal (forward). The bar goes forward of my toes. What should I do to correct this? Is it due to not keeping my lumbar tight enough?
Also: I haven't checked ...
3
votes
2answers
859 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?
1
vote
3answers
497 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 ...
