So I've been trying to do these things for the past week, but I'm not sure I have the proper form. I've looked at several pictures and videos but the variable I'm after isn't clear. The question is.. when I bend over how far below my knees should I allow the bar to go? Half way down my shin? Just level with knee?
All the pictures and videos I've seen have been taken from the side, and the plate invariably blocks what I'm trying to see.
you should descend down as far as your flexibility will allow you at this time. if you can not get down below your knees, you have somethings to work on. Typically, if your flexibility is good and your core strength allows, you should be able to get down to a mid-shin position.
The weight should touch your body on the way down, and on the way back up. You should maintain a nice arch throughout the movement, weight travels through the heels and you should be leaning your ass back so you feel a stretch through the belly of the hamstring. Look at your eyes in the mirror, chest out, butt out, think "baboon breeding position". If you observe your body from the side, the weight should travel straight up and down in a line. http://www.uwlax.edu/strengthcenter/...20plus/rdl.mpg NSCA - Performance Analysis Video
As P-funk said, no need to lower all the way down.
To find the "feel", stand with your feet right up at the support of the cage, hold the support with your hands at about waist-level and lean your ass back. Fiddle with where you need to send the weight until you feel the hamstring stretch with your knees slightly bent, your ass and chest out, and your back a little arched so your hips shoot out and back.
That's the feel to look for when you do the movement.
DISCLAIMER:
All health, fitness, diet, nutrition & supplement information presented on IronMagazineForums.com's pages is intended as an educational resource and is not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice. We do not condone the use of anabolic steroids (AAS), all information about AAS is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult your physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises, or following any diet, nutrition or supplement advice described on this website. As well as any exercise technique or regimen, diet, supplement, etc., particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly or have chronic or recurring medical conditions. Discontinue any exercise that causes you pain or severe discomfort and consult a medical expert. The statements made about products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding the suggestions and recommendations made at IronMagazineForums.com. Neither the author of the information, nor the producer, nor distributors of such information make any warranty of any kind in regard to the content of the information presented on this website. Except as specifically stated on this site, neither IronMagazineForums.com, nor any of its authors or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of, or in connection with the use of this site. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties. Sponsors pay for advertising space, we have no affiliation with the companies that have banners displayed on our websites. Please be advised it is your responsibility to check the laws that govern your country, state, or province in regards to items offered by some companies you may read about on this site.