ATG Squat question

[Stewart14]

are ATG squats a "sufficient" hamstring movement? I had been doing SLDLs for the hams, but I have some lower back pain and I want to lay off them for a while, and I hate leg curls, would the squats suffice until my back is ready for the stiff legs again??

thanks

 

[mike456]

know squats are not sufficient enough for the hams IMO- try step-ups or leg curl

 

[PWGriffin]

I had a question about ATG squats too, so I'll post it in here...When you guys squat, do your knees pass your toes??

 

[fufu]

I had a question about ATG squats too, so I'll post it in here...When you guys squat, do your knees pass your toes??

Possibly slightly for me.

 

[CowPimp]

I think you should include some kind of pulling movement in its place. Pullthroughs are a great alternative; I use them all the time with clients who need posterior chain work (All of them) but have lower back problems, and it hasn't bothered anyone yet.

Reverse hyperextensions are good. I use bands to add resistance, but you can use a dumbbell too.

Glute ham raises are great too. Sometimes you have to get creative to get a setup going for them, but something is usually viable.

Unilateral RDLs are also good. It is essentially the same movement performed on one leg, but you don't have to use nearly as much resistance to overload the prime movers, so the load on your trunk is reduced.

Hopefully one of those options works for you.

I had a question about ATG squats too, so I'll post it in here...When you guys squat, do your knees pass your toes??

Mine don't, but there is nothing wrong with it so long as you distribute the force properly throughout your foot instead of coming up on your toes.

 

[PWGriffin]

Mine don't, but there is nothing wrong with it so long as you distribute the force properly throughout your foot instead of coming up on your toes.

Hmm...I'm quite certain the weight helps me keep my feet planted...I could stand to push off my heels more though. I have heard when your toes pass your knees that more pressure is placed on the knees....any truth to this??

 

[Pedigree]

Hmm...I'm quite certain the weight helps me keep my feet planted...I could stand to push off my heels more though. I have heard when your toes pass your knees that more pressure is placed on the knees....any truth to this??

Only if your weight isn't distributed as CP said.

 

[CowPimp]

Hmm...I'm quite certain the weight helps me keep my feet planted...I could stand to push off my heels more though. I have heard when your toes pass your knees that more pressure is placed on the knees....any truth to this??

There is some additional pressure placed on the knees, yes. However, a lot more pressure is placed on the spine if you don't allow for a natural jutting of the knees if you are biomechanically inclined to do so. Check out this article by Eric Cressey where he addresses this question:

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=603563