? Does the weights under the feet help? Newbie at Squats

Replies

  • Kriistabell
    Kriistabell Posts: 181 Member
    It depends on whether you need it or not. I never used them because I have perfect form. If you have trouble with your form then it is worth a try! Keep in mind that doing 3 squats in perfect form are more effective then 10 in bad form so make sure you do what you gotta do to get your form right
  • beccas27
    beccas27 Posts: 200 Member
    Oh dang.. I am not sure if I have a perfect form.. Ha... I better use these weights then just to help me out, Since I am new at these.

    Thanks for ur reply :wink:
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Do you lack flexibility in your hamstrings/legs? Is your form currently terrible?
  • beccas27
    beccas27 Posts: 200 Member
    my legs seem to be pretty flexible & I haven;t work with a trainer or anything, So I am unsure about my form/posture but according to the youtube video I seem to be Ok?
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    my legs seem to be pretty flexible & I haven;t work with a trainer or anything, So I am unsure about my form/posture but according to the youtube video I seem to be Ok?

    I personally do NOT use them. Although reading online "The practice of putting blocks or weights under your heels is widespread among bodybuilders in order to gain better isolation of the quads while squatting. The problem is that your knees go way out over your feet, placing great shear and compression on both the cartilage and ligaments of the knee, which over time can cause serious damage to the knee joint." its specifically to target quads.
  • mjudd1990
    mjudd1990 Posts: 219 Member
    Don't use them. If you can't go down far enough it's a combination of having tight muscles or a weak posterior chain. Stretch your calves a lot and foam roll your hips (especially your piriformis as this gets pretty tight in most people) chances are you aren't activating your glutes enough when you squat. This makes you lean forward and have to roll up onto the balls of your feet in order to hit a good depth. Try some lunges and split squats to build up your glutes and hamstrings and that should start to help if that is indeed the issue.
  • beccas27
    beccas27 Posts: 200 Member
    Thanks for ALL the info! I for sure don't want to do ANY damage or tear anything in my knees etc. I will make sure my posture/form is correct and do major stretching before my squats now.. I just came across this video on youtube & was wondering.. Thanks again!

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