How to squat lower...any tips?

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Replies

  • SpecialSundae
    SpecialSundae Posts: 795 Member
    Deleted because I'm probably being an a**ehole. (I'm hypermobile.)
  • _SusieQ_
    _SusieQ_ Posts: 2,964 Member
    I get why they are called that, I just think the name is ... ugh. Shouldn't have mentioned it, I'm clearly too PC/sensitive for my own good on some things. It has been said before...

    Stripper squats I like but I think I shall call them toddler squats, as they are exactly what my friends children do ALL the time. ;-)

    I just managed to do them without holding onto anything, no problems at all. So, I think my issue is mainly confidence. I'm going to build regular body weight ATG squats into my routine (pre weight warm ups perhaps) and hopefully I'll get there.

    Thanks everyone.

    Confidence was totally my issue as well. I constantly had (and still sometimes do have) a fear of falling by going that low. But my knee pain has virtually disappeared once I started going parallel or below. I started out by holding onto a table or the catch bars in the squat rack and just getting the feel for going that low with bodyweight squats. And worked my way back up with weights.

    good luck!
  • _SusieQ_
    _SusieQ_ Posts: 2,964 Member
    Here's the part that people don't get...............If you are squatting low bar, 'rippetoe style' you are not going to be able to get much lower than parallel and certainly not *kitten* to grass as that is just not possible for 99% of people squatting with that style. have a look at good ol' coach rip himself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVKEl4Wxoqc thats certainly not a deep squat.

    the only genuine *kitten* to grass squats you see are high bar olympic style, wearing an olympic lifting shoe. Don't stress out trying to get super low, get as low as you can maintaining good form be that parallel or slightly below.

    Great video link
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Checkout the video on YouTube "So You Think You Can Squat" and check your own form. A lot of it is just form. Also on YouTube, search for "Joe DeFranco and Agile 8". Those drills will help with some flexibility and mobility issues.
  • Tw1zzler
    Tw1zzler Posts: 583
    This is a yoga pose I do that helps with flexibility and getting used to the feeling of getting low. Tight calves can keep you from squatting low as well.

    1squat_zps67267318.jpg
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    I feel ya. My issue is balance. I have great balance when standing, when I squat I do not!!
  • Willowana
    Willowana Posts: 493 Member
    bump
  • minizebu
    minizebu Posts: 2,716 Member
    I found this site yesterday: http://www.mobilitywod.com/episodes/

    It might help you to identify if you have a weakness in a particular area. Search for "squat" in the episodes section.
  • ShreddedTweet
    ShreddedTweet Posts: 1,326 Member
    I wear two knee supports. I'm not sure I absolutely need them but they give me confidence to squat as low as I want!
  • graceylou222
    graceylou222 Posts: 198 Member
    I have the same issue. My trainer told me I need to strengthen my inner thighs, and also work on my hips. Try some strength training on those areas and see if that helps..
  • SoViLicious
    SoViLicious Posts: 2,633 Member
    I am starting to think maybe I am not doing it right.
  • SGruff7
    SGruff7 Posts: 6
    Thank you. I do have very tight and ...downright clicky...ankles and tightness in the hips. I'll try standing on a plate and add a foam roller to my shopping list for next payday!

    Foam rolling should help a lot. Tight it bands will prevent you from squatting low. Check out a book on Trigger point therapy.
  • Lupercalia
    Lupercalia Posts: 1,857 Member
    In addition to all the other good info in this thread, goblet squats can be helpful--you can use either a kettlebell or a dumbbell. Google to see the exercise if you're not familiar with it.

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