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Squats - *kitten* to grass, or parallel with more weight?

stumblinthrulife
Posts: 2,558 Member
Your friendly neighborhood stupid question asker, back again, this time with questions on squats.
Which would result in greater strength gains - *kitten* to grass squats with a lighter weight, or just past parallel with heavier weight?
And more generally, what's the difference between the two in terms of how they work your body? Does *kitten* to grass engage more muscles, or just require greater power and control?
Is either one more likely to result in injury?
Just to remind - my goal is greater strength to body weight ratio. Hypertrophy is secondary, as is merely looking impressive at the gym.
Which would result in greater strength gains - *kitten* to grass squats with a lighter weight, or just past parallel with heavier weight?
And more generally, what's the difference between the two in terms of how they work your body? Does *kitten* to grass engage more muscles, or just require greater power and control?
Is either one more likely to result in injury?
Just to remind - my goal is greater strength to body weight ratio. Hypertrophy is secondary, as is merely looking impressive at the gym.
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Replies
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In for responses. I have wondered this too. I think, but don't know, that *kitten* to grass may lead to some extra wear on my aging knees.0
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I squat *kitten* to grass. I find the tendonitis in my knees flares up if I squat only to parallel, even without any weight. I have no problems with squatting heavy below parallel. My 2 cents.0
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I think (I could be wrong) that if you squat *kitten* to grass while keeping proper form (knees not going past your toes) that you work your booty more than you would if you stayed parallel.0
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Bump!0
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I would also think it depends on the type of squat (Sara/SS, correct me if I'm wrong).0
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I'm currently doing high-bar back squats, but after a bit of reading around I'm considering switching to low-bar.0
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Squat as low as you can while maintaining good form, be that parallel, slightly below or a2g.
If you powerlift, then just make sure you hit parallel.I'm currently doing high-bar back squats, but after a bit of reading around I'm considering switching to low-bar.
You won't be able to get a2g in a low bar squat.0 -
Bump0
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You won't be able to get a2g in a low bar squat.
Did not know this. No wonder I get stuck on A2G on low bar. Gonna try front squats next time.0 -
You won't be able to get a2g in a low bar squat.
Did not know this. No wonder I get stuck on A2G on low bar. Gonna try front squats next time.0 -
You won't be able to get a2g in a low bar squat.
Did not know this. No wonder I get stuck on A2G on low bar. Gonna try front squats next time.
^^yep.
The farther forward you lean (front --> high bar --> low bar) the harder it is to go low. The issue is if you go too low on low bar (or any squat) for your flexibility/levers, you can end up with pelvic tilt which can put a lot of stress on your back.
Basically - for strength you pretty much lift as much as you can. That is usually low bar (but there are exceptions, of which I am one) and that is also generally not A2G.
http://stronglifts.com/how-deep-should-you-squat-anyway/
Quote from Rippetoe:
"Squat depth is critically important, but so is correct form. ATG-level depth most usually requires that the lumbar muscles relax the lordosis and that the hamstrings relax before extreme depth can be reached. It doesn't sound like a good idea to me that anything be relaxed in a deep squat, since doing this kills your good controlled rebound out of the bottom and risks your intervertebral discs. Those rare individuals that can obtain *kitten*-to-ankles depth without relaxing anything might be able to get away with it, but as a general rule you should squat as deep as you can with a hard-arched lower back and tight hamstings and adductors. This depth will be below parallel, but it will not usually be "ATG"."0 -
I do low-bar. I go until the top of my thigh is parallel with the ground. Anything lower causes butt-wink.0
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So consensus seems to be low-bar squats, squatting past parallel, but not so low that the hamstrings must relax. Got it!0
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Bump to have in my notes.0
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focuses on different muscles.
I.E. the upper half of a movement of a military press works tris, the lower half is shoulders
A2G will build up hams and *kitten*.
Many people notice less strain on their knees, despite the BS myth that a2g is bad for your knees0 -
My shoulders are So. Damn. Grateful. for this thread. Parallel + Low bar = No more bruises.
:flowerforyou:0
This discussion has been closed.