My body doesnt want to do a squat

Options
soldiergrl_101
soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,206 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone else have this problem. I was watching videos on it yesterday trying to improve my form...Girls made it look so easy and you could see every muscle in their legs during the movement. But when I tried my knees kept going forward, my but wouldn't go down....Do you have to do bad squats until your legs are strong enough to get the form down? I tried my my body really didnt want to cooperate
«1

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    Options
    post form video please
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    Options
    Have you tried bodyweight squats? Can you do those?

    Do you break from the hips or knees?
  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    Options
    Well would need to see a video of you squat for a form check.

    Also depending on the squat your knees can move beyond your toes.

    Your butt doesn't go down is not descriptive enough. What do you mean by that?
  • VintageFeline
    VintageFeline Posts: 6,771 Member
    Options
    Sounds like your weight is too far over your toes, you need to think about pushing into your heels. That's just my first thoughts though, pictures or a video would be more helpful.
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    Options
    How do your knees go forward but your butt not go down? Seems impossible. I would recommend doing it without a weight first.
  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    Options
    pyrowill wrote: »
    How do your knees go forward but your butt not go down? Seems impossible. I would recommend doing it without a weight first.

    I'm thinking like a goodmorning type of squat but IDK what OP is really talking about?

  • soldiergrl_101
    soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,206 Member
    Options
    livingleanlivingclean wrote: »
    Have you tried bodyweight squats? Can you do those?

    Do you break from the hips or knees?

    I was talking about a body weight squat, I havent even attempted holding a bar yet. As for the video I have no one to take it
  • natecooper75
    natecooper75 Posts: 72 Member
    Options
    Not trying to be graphic or anything, but it should be almost like sitting on the toilet. If you form is compromised in that movement also, you may want to just work your way up to using weights after doing some successful bodyweight squats.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,139 Member
    Options
    OP - if you can't squat then how do you sit down in a chair???? I am being 100% serious….
  • soldiergrl_101
    soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,206 Member
    Options
    pyrowill wrote: »
    How do your knees go forward but your butt not go down? Seems impossible. I would recommend doing it without a weight first.

    I have scholyosis I wonder if that is why my body doesnt go down the way it should. In all the videos it seems like the girls go down almost to the floor and I can barley get a 90 degree angle

  • soldiergrl_101
    soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,206 Member
    Options
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    OP - if you can't squat then how do you sit down in a chair???? I am being 100% serious….

    Mentally I dont think about it its second nature i dont know

  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    edited June 2015
    Options
    soldiergrl_101 wrote: »
    pyrowill wrote: »
    How do your knees go forward but your butt not go down? Seems impossible. I would recommend doing it without a weight first.

    I have scholyosis I wonder if that is why my body doesnt go down the way it should. In all the videos it seems like the girls go down almost to the floor and I can barley get a 90 degree angle

    Oh now it makes sense. I would go see a specialist to help you with this. Not a personal trainer either. They are more likely not qualified to help with matters like this.
  • slaite1
    slaite1 Posts: 1,307 Member
    Options
    You can use your phone for a video.

    Have you tried wall squats? Google it. Watch your feet placement, but it is a good way to work up to an actual squat. Then maybe squat to a chair, or "sit-to-stand".

    Absolutely do not do squats with poor form until you can do it correctly. Work your way up to it.
  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    Options
    Common problems with squat form originate from reduced flexibily and muscle weakness starting at the bottom in your feet with reduced dorsi flexion (pulling foot up towards ankle). When you have flexibility problems and muscle imbalances it tends to ripple up through the kinetic chain causing other problems.

    Other common issues are:

    Tight calf muscles
    Knee Valgus (knees falling in towards each other) glutes and abductors are weakened and or muscle imbalances present, muscles not engaging properly
    Lack of core strength
    Reduced ROM of thoracic spine will force excessive flexion in hips to compensate

    You may see people put weight plates under their heels to compensate for the decreased flexion. I personally don't recommend doing this as you're only compounding the problem.

    Have your form checked (lots of people here can give you great advice if you post a video or get it done at your gym. Use foam rolling and static stretching to address the flexibility issues you have and use strengthening exercises for the muscles that are showing weakness.

  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    Options
    soldiergrl_101 wrote: »

    I have scholyosis I wonder if that is why my body doesnt go down the way it should. In all the videos it seems like the girls go down almost to the floor and I can barley get a 90 degree angle

    This will have a huge impact on your form. Have an assessment done at your gym or even better by a physio and have them give you a program to help you address the issues.

  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Options
    soldiergrl_101 wrote: »
    pyrowill wrote: »
    How do your knees go forward but your butt not go down? Seems impossible. I would recommend doing it without a weight first.

    I have scholyosis I wonder if that is why my body doesnt go down the way it should. In all the videos it seems like the girls go down almost to the floor and I can barley get a 90 degree angle

    Yes, or you could be over compensating to protect your back given your Scoliosis. In addition not everyone goes ATG when squatting - it depends on the individuals flexibility and biomechanics.

    It's not a complete bar to squat as far as I know but a session or two with a decent sports physio (not a bog standard PT) would be well worth the investment to help you with form / alternatives.
  • AsISmile
    AsISmile Posts: 1,004 Member
    Options
    From 2:17 onward http://youtu.be/_onIsUZD-yM

    I was watching this the other day because I follow him on youtube, and I think his explenation might help you.
    (Note: vid is not specifically about squats, he just happeneds to explain them here. )
  • paris458
    paris458 Posts: 231 Member
    Options
    I had broken my ankle so it was really tight and had no leg muscles when I first started and it was hard for me to bend my ankle and get back up. you can do easier squats by not going down to far until you build up muscle and your form. that is what my trainer showed me.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Options
    paris458 wrote: »
    I had broken my ankle so it was really tight and had no leg muscles when I first started and it was hard for me to bend my ankle and get back up. you can do easier squats by not going down to far until you build up muscle and your form. that is what my trainer showed me.

    That's how I've progressed as well. I had (have) really weak glutes and hamstrings from nursing a back injury for a long time. Just keep going and concentrate on digging into your heels - one trick is to wiggle your toes while you're doing it - and you will improve over time.
  • Karen_can_do_this
    Karen_can_do_this Posts: 1,150 Member
    Options
    My physiotherapist got me to do my squats with weight plates under my heels. This in turn taught me to push from my heels. I'd suggest going to see a physio and ask them to help teach you

Categories