Tom Platz: Dont deep squat

**Mudge** · 04-20-2004, 12:17 AM

Tom Platz just did a seminar at my gym (5 hours) and says that deep squatting is an old school thing, not something that should be done now. He also says dont use knee wraps unless you are a powerlifter.

He pumped out 315x15 like it was 135 which was fun to see.

Just thought I'd throw that out there folks.

once was fat · 04-20-2004, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
Tom Platz just did a seminar at my gym (5 hours) and says that deep squatting is an old school thing, not something that should be done now. He also says dont use knee wraps unless you are a powerlifter.

He pumped out 315x15 like it was 135 which was fun to see.

Just thought I'd throw that out there folks.

Ummmmm. Thats music to my ears. Was the seminar a freebe or did you have to pay. Also did you get anything else out of the seminar?

JerseyDevil · 04-20-2004, 05:05 AM

What was his reason for not deep squatting? Screws up the knees?

nikegurl · 04-20-2004, 10:02 AM

was he suggesting stopping at parallel?

DeadBolt · 04-20-2004, 10:53 AM

O great just as I get my squats a$$to the grass w/ some decent weight they say not to....gees! Heh.

What was his reasoning for not going low?

Deeznuts · 04-20-2004, 10:55 AM

That's awesome he came to your gym

I only use raps a week before a meet just because I like the more natural feel. However, I think i'll still throw deep squats in my routine every once in a while.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
Tom Platz just did a seminar at my gym (5 hours) and says that deep squatting is an old school thing, not something that should be done now. He also says dont use knee wraps unless you are a powerlifter.

I agree on the knee wraps, but not deep squatting.

I spent two full days with Tom for my ISSA certification, but he did not do any lifting.

atherjen · 04-20-2004, 11:24 AM

well damn I did ATF squats yestarday and last week! personally I LIKE them!

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 11:31 AM

If they do not bother your knees, and you have the strength, flexability and coordination I do not think there is anything wrong with a deep squat. I have been doing them for around 15 years now, and I have never had a knee problem.

I am actually very surprised that Tom said this.

And I would like someone to find me a real study to prove otherwise.

**Mudge** · 04-20-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by once was fat
Ummmmm. Thats music to my ears. Was the seminar a freebe or did you have to pay. Also did you get anything else out of the seminar?

It was free.

Quote:

Originally posted by nikegurl
was he suggesting stopping at parallel?

Yep.

I assume that some people must have problems due to foot position or whatever. I still come across people that say they are afraid of falling over, so Tom must believe that a parallel squat is just as good.

Tudor Bompa apparently says the same thing, parallel only. He trains a good number of Olympic athletes including Ben Johnson back in the days.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 12:07 PM

Foot position when squatting is irrelevant, you cannot put more stress on any region of the quad based on your foot position in a squat.

The only thing you can do is cause more stress on the knee if you put your feet close together.

Stopping at parallel is oaky, but if you want to really bring the hams and glutes into play you need to go below parallel.

**Mudge** · 04-20-2004, 12:31 PM

I just did squats for the first time in a while a few days ago, and my hams are about dead.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 12:34 PM

squats are not part of your normal training routine?

btw, did Tom have on any "revealing" clothes, i.e. shorts?

if so, were his legs still big?

**Mudge** · 04-20-2004, 12:44 PM

He dropped his pants but he didn't wear shorts, yes he still looks good on the lower body side.

I've been wussying out and doing machine hack squats for probably around 2 months.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
He dropped his pants but he didn't wear shorts, yes he still looks good on the lower body side.

LOL, dropped his pants?

Were his legs still big, I mean did you say WOW when you saw them? I did notice his upper body did not look very big, but he was wearing a loose fitting polo type shirt and dress pants, so it was hard to asses.

Did he tell you how his shoulders are f'd up?

Quote:

I've been wussying out and doing machine hack squats for probably around 2 months.

You must squat, fuck that machine crap!

JerseyDevil · 04-20-2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeadBolt
O great just as I get my squats a$$to the grass w/ some decent weight they say not to....gees! Heh.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I've had some back problems and squats were taking their toll, especially because I was overweight and neglected my 'core'. I've whipped myself back into shape, and greatly strengthened my abs, plus have better lower body flexibility. Once I started squatting again, I made the decision that it was going to be ass to the grass or nothing.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JerseyDevil
Once I started squatting again, I made the decision that it was going to be ass to the grass or nothing.

that is how I have always done them!

I no longer wear a belt either, although I rarely go above 315lbs.

**Mudge** · 04-20-2004, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
Did he tell you how his shoulders are f'd up?

Not really but I do remember that one of his arms he can't even raise over his head?

I was being a baby about doing so much stuff that was taxing to the core, deads, rows blah blah so that was my excuse for using the hack machine and occasionally the leg press.

**P-funk** · 04-20-2004, 03:20 PM

All I have to say here is Ass to the Grass squats are the only way to go. I don't care what anyone says, I don't count the squat if you don't break parallel.

nas · 04-20-2004, 04:56 PM

It depends on what you are going for in squats. Studies have shown that squatting shallow actually stimulates thighs more than deep. This is most likely due to the fact that your thighs are doing the work to stop and start back up, whereas if you go deep you bring in the gluts. I personally like to squat deep because I hate doing legs and squats are one of the few things I'll do, so I like to hit as much as possible at once. For max thigh development, shallow is shown better by some studies such as the one linked below.

http://www.bnbf.co.uk/Squat%20experiment.htm

**CowPimp** · 04-20-2004, 05:08 PM

I can't see full squats being bad unless you have specific health problems that dictate otherwise (Knee problems for example).

I try for a full range of motion on every lift that I do, and I don't see why squats are an exception. I have no problem going pretty damned close to the ground. In fact, I prefer it that way because it gives my ass a good ripping.

It's not that there's something wrong with parallel or slightly below; I just prefer full squats.

**Prince** · 04-20-2004, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CowPimp
I can't see full squats being bad unless you have specific health problems that dictate otherwise (Knee problems for example).

I try for a full range of motion on every lift that I do, and I don't see why squats are an exception. I have no problem going pretty damned close to the ground. In fact, I prefer it that way because it gives my ass a good ripping.

It's not that there's something wrong with parallel or slightly below; I just prefer full squats.

Exactly, I agree. Squats are no diffeent than any other movement, would you stop half way on a bench press?

Squatting is a completely natural movement, even below parallel, it makes no difference if there is some resistance involved.

Now I do believe you have to build up the coordination and flexibility to do a full squat with heavy weight. I would recommend that a beginner keep the weight light to moderate until they feel very comfortable with the movement.

ALBOB · 04-20-2004, 05:36 PM

Stopping anywhere short of parallel puts a tremendous amount of stress on your knees. By going slightly below parallel you take the stress off your knees and put it on your hamstrings so, as Prince stated, if you want COMPLETE leg developement you squat DEEP!

**CowPimp** · 04-20-2004, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
Exactly, I agree. Squats are no diffeent than any other movement, would you stop half way on a bench press?

Squatting is a completely natural movement, even below parallel, it makes no difference if there is some resistance involved.

Now I do believe you have to build up the coordination and flexibility to do a full squat with heavy weight. I would recommend that a beginner keep the weight light to moderate until they feel very comfortable with the movement.

I totally agree with this statement. When I first read about the wonders of full squats and started to do them at home I was unable to do much weight. I didn't know how to balance myself and stabilize the bar properly. I had to start with a measly 135, which was ridiculous considering I was repping nearly 200 with bench press at the time. It was only a couple of sessions before I gained the proper balance necessary to move to heavier weights.

04-20-2004, 12:17 AM	#1
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,948 Photos: 1	Tom Platz: Dont deep squat BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com Tom Platz just did a seminar at my gym (5 hours) and says that deep squatting is an old school thing, not something that should be done now. He also says dont use knee wraps unless you are a powerlifter. He pumped out 315x15 like it was 135 which was fun to see. Just thought I'd throw that out there folks.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

04-20-2004, 10:02 AM	#4
nikegurl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,634	was he suggesting stopping at parallel?
	Tomorrow may be the best day of your life. Or not.

04-20-2004, 10:53 AM	#5
DeadBolt MP Minister of Pain! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ocean County NJ Posts: 7,279	O great just as I get my squats a$$to the grass w/ some decent weight they say not to....gees! Heh. What was his reasoning for not going low?
	"Only in dictionaries does SUCCESS come before WORK." -Alfred K. Henderson ´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((((º>

04-20-2004, 10:55 AM	#6
Deeznuts Still Growing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 771 Photos: 2	That's awesome he came to your gym I only use raps a week before a meet just because I like the more natural feel. However, I think i'll still throw deep squats in my routine every once in a while.
	Desire.Dedication.Deeznuts

04-20-2004, 11:24 AM	#8
atherjen DS Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: MS Posts: 5,757	well damn I did ATF squats yestarday and last week! personally I LIKE them!
	" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed." NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

04-20-2004, 05:05 AM	#3
JerseyDevil Done Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern, NJ Posts: 5,176	What was his reason for not deep squatting? Screws up the knees?

04-20-2004, 11:31 AM	#9
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,200 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	If they do not bother your knees, and you have the strength, flexability and coordination I do not think there is anything wrong with a deep squat. I have been doing them for around 15 years now, and I have never had a knee problem. I am actually very surprised that Tom said this. And I would like someone to find me a real study to prove otherwise.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements AtLargeNutrition - Optimize Your Body MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

04-20-2004, 12:07 PM	#11
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,200 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	Foot position when squatting is irrelevant, you cannot put more stress on any region of the quad based on your foot position in a squat. The only thing you can do is cause more stress on the knee if you put your feet close together. Stopping at parallel is oaky, but if you want to really bring the hams and glutes into play you need to go below parallel.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements AtLargeNutrition - Optimize Your Body MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

04-20-2004, 12:31 PM	#12
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,948 Photos: 1	I just did squats for the first time in a while a few days ago, and my hams are about dead.

04-20-2004, 12:34 PM	#13
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,200 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	squats are not part of your normal training routine? btw, did Tom have on any "revealing" clothes, i.e. shorts? if so, were his legs still big?
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements AtLargeNutrition - Optimize Your Body MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

04-20-2004, 12:44 PM	#14
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,948 Photos: 1	He dropped his pants but he didn't wear shorts, yes he still looks good on the lower body side. I've been wussying out and doing machine hack squats for probably around 2 months.

04-20-2004, 03:20 PM	#19
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,234	All I have to say here is Ass to the Grass squats are the only way to go. I don't care what anyone says, I don't count the squat if you don't break parallel.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

04-20-2004, 04:56 PM	#20
nas Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: washington, dc Posts: 23	It depends on what you are going for in squats. Studies have shown that squatting shallow actually stimulates thighs more than deep. This is most likely due to the fact that your thighs are doing the work to stop and start back up, whereas if you go deep you bring in the gluts. I personally like to squat deep because I hate doing legs and squats are one of the few things I'll do, so I like to hit as much as possible at once. For max thigh development, shallow is shown better by some studies such as the one linked below. http://www.bnbf.co.uk/Squat%20experiment.htm
	Get huge or go home.

04-20-2004, 05:08 PM	#21
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,400	I can't see full squats being bad unless you have specific health problems that dictate otherwise (Knee problems for example). I try for a full range of motion on every lift that I do, and I don't see why squats are an exception. I have no problem going pretty damned close to the ground. In fact, I prefer it that way because it gives my ass a good ripping. It's not that there's something wrong with parallel or slightly below; I just prefer full squats.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

04-20-2004, 05:36 PM	#23
ALBOB IDIOT SAVANT Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: An alternate reality. Posts: 10,089	Stopping anywhere short of parallel puts a tremendous amount of stress on your knees. By going slightly below parallel you take the stress off your knees and put it on your hamstrings so, as Prince stated, if you want COMPLETE leg developement you squat DEEP!
	Rules? You mean we have RULES for that???