squat help

happyfrogg

Hey foiks, I *finally* got my *kitten* to the gym today and started NROL4W! Huzzah!
But I feel like my squat form is awful. I cannot for the life of me get low (cue Lil John). I feel like I can barely get parallel when doing body weight squats, and when I added the barbell today I was so focused on not tipping over that I doubt I ever got even to parallel. How did you / do you improve your form? Is it just more practice? Is it ok to stay above parallel?

dmcw19

Check out Mark Rippetoe's videos on youtube. I also bought his book "Starting Strength". He has a whole chapter about proper squat form. It is really detailed, but helped me alot. I also was not getting low and for me is was my stance. I was pointing my toes directly forward. When I changed to tilting them out 30 degrees, it helps. He shows this numerous times in his videos.

MamaWannaRun

I struggle with form and finally, just had to ask for help. See if the employees of the gym can help you by spotting and offering suggestions. Also, there are great videos you can watch to help. Apparently, feet pointing in the right direction will help! (witness above)

here are great pages in this group. here's a snippet:

To those of you concerned about proper form and injury: I can totally relate. For me personally, most of stage one has been about learning proper form. I have not increased weights a great deal but have learned how to lunge, deadlift, and squat properly. These videos on deadlifts were very helpful to me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8jgCFXYTU&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syt7A23YnpA&feature=relmfu
There are more on squats, etc. Also, if you are working out at the gym, don't hesitate to ask the personal trainers for advice--I have found ours to be more than willing to check form.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/583928-stage-1?page=3

happyfrogg

Thanks guys! I love Rippetoe's explanations.

MamaWannaRun

Yes, watching the videos made me go back to just the bar for my squats and I drag dh to the gym to 'check' my form. I'm still on the bar, but feeling better.

meshashesha2012

if you have to, then move your legs further apart until you get more flexibility in your hips and ankles. just keep at it and before you know it you'll be able to move your feet in more and get past parallel

TiffyChick

Bump for later. : )