The Squat

The Squat

Squats are the single most important exercise for muscular development.

Here's a video demonstrating a few innovative techniques for teaching squats. (it is always important to make sure you don't have your knees sliding past your feet).

And Last but not least An inside Look into a Question and Answer with Mark Rippetoe (taken from www.StrengthMill.com )

Q: Question Title: Box squatting to learn proper form?

I think box squatting is covered in the new edition of SS, but I've unfortunately got one of the old spiral-bound first editions. Sorry if this question is dealt with in the new one.

One of my biggest squatting problems is sitting down instead of back. This leads to all sorts of other difficulties (e.g. weaker hip drive).

I've thought of helping myself resolve it by using a box. I'm doing the beginner SS routine but have begun doing light squats on the mid-week day (I used to do front squats but I still haven't got my back squat form down, so I took them out). Would there be any harm in subbing light box squats for regular light squats? I figure they might help me with form. I'm not trying to do anything fancy, just learn to sit back properly, stay tight and use hip drive better. One day a week isn't that much, anyway.

I know it irritates you when people change your programs, but I figure this is a pretty minor change, and implemented for the sake of learning proper form.

Am I thinking clearly here, or am I just as bad as the people asking about bicep curls?

A: Learning proper form takes one or two coached workouts, not a change in exercises or programming. Figure out how to squat correctly, and then do it that way; don't change to an assistance exercise instead of fixing the primary exercise.

Funniest StrengthMill.net Quote of the week

"Absolutely not. Never -- and I mean NEVER -- try anything that someone in authority, like Me, has not specifically approved in advance. This is not allowed, and is specifically prohibited, because if you do this irresponsible thing -- this Trying Things For Yourself -- you might learn on your own, and again, this is PROHIBITED.

Let me ask you a question: Are you from North Korea?"