Squats

LeslieB042812

sorry, not sure why my whole comment went into the quote.....

jmac4263

@LeslieB042812 Thank you, I will try that. I think a wider stance might be better for me!! I will try that as well

wkwebby

Try to keep your big toe lifted while doing a body weight squat (focusing on proper form). If you can do this, then you just have to gradually increase your weight. You'll find that with your big toe lifted, you HAVE to put all the weight on your heels to lift yourself up. If this is too difficult, then it is all in development of your form. To check that your form is good, at the bottom of the squat, you can literally wiggle your toes (at a minimum, your big toe).

You can still use the smith machine (for now) while concentrating on your form (do NOT lean back into the machine otherwise you aren't using your glutes) until your glutes are developed enough to handle your body weight. Then start gradually adding weight once you're off the smith machine. The step ups with your knees at 90 degrees is good, but concentrate on your form again. You need to activate those glutes to support you and the weight properly.

KenziesFrenzies

What shoes are you wearing when you squat?

I ask because I used to squat in running shoes, and let me tell you.. Once I switched to super-flat Converse All Stars (until I can afford to shell out the money for real lifting shoes), it changed my entire squatting experience.
All of the sudden I had way more balance and control, it was like night and day.

I'd practice squatting at home barefoot (or in Converse if you have any), with a broomstick across your back, and watch your form in the mirror. (If you can, have somebody videotape you)

You definitely want to get that issue corrected before you graduate to heavier squats!

jmac4263

@wkwebby and @mackenzies_frenzies that makes sense I have heard about the toe trick and I will try doing them at home, I have had others tell me to do wall squats. I dont think i realized how much i really was pushing back on the bar on the smith machine. Maybe I had my feet to forward and but because you can only go in one angle on the machine I didnt really notice! This is rather depressing as I feel every squat I have been doing in the smith machine has been a waste!!!

JoRocka

practice with a PVC pipe at home (broom stick) and build strength with your kettlebell/goblet squats.

and just keep at it.

haleykinzer7455

U could start with imanginary chair sguats u act like u are sitting in a chair which helps balance and burns ur thighs then start with the weights