Help with squats?

[I Are Baboon]

I need some advice on my squats. I know my form sucks. Here's my problem:

When doing barbell squats, I know I am supposed to keep my shins perpendicular to the floor, and your knees shouldn't extend past your feet. However, I have a real hard time getting it right. I know my knees are extending too far out, and I end up putting tremendous pressure on my ankles from bending them. When I try to keep good form, I can't keep my balance. I see some guys at the gym with perfect form. I've tried to copy them, but with no success. Any advice you can offer would be great. I am extremely frustrated!

 

[crowman]

hmmm, it takes a while to get the form right. Maybe try putting a 10lb weight under you heals, see if that helps. I had trouble with my balance during squats at first too (mostly because I'm 6'5"), but i just went light and kept doing them and eventually they felt alright.

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-Crowman
MASS ABOVE ALL

[This message has been edited by crowman (edited 03-19-2001).]

 

[Large And In Charge]

I Are Baboon

Everybody is a little different so what feels right for one person might not feel right for another! Experiment on your stance to see what feels right for you. Practice makes perfect and soon it will just fall right into place. Practice with just the weight of the bar or even free style to get a good feel of the squat.

This is an excellent web site that gives you written instruction and a animated demonstration of the squat. Just click on squat in the leg section:
http://www.gymamerica.com/gti/exercise/exercise_animated_demo_index/1,4263,1_,00.html?

Hang in there and never give up bro.

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If you build it they will come

 

[Scotty the Body]

I know some will disagree with me but I'd use the smith machine for squats till you get use to them.
Or just use a lighter weight till you get your form down.

It takes a little while to get use to.

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Just another day in the gutter

 

[I Are Baboon]

Guys- I did squats today for the first time since your advice. They were the best squats I've done yet! I practiced with no weight, then just the 45 lb bar, then I was able to load the weight on. Awesome workout, and it felt great!! I'm afraid that my quads and glutes are going to be killing me for a couple of days

Nothing like a good, solid workout to start the day off! Thanks for your help.



[This message has been edited by I Are Baboon (edited 03-22-2001).]

 

[Large And In Charge]

Anytime

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If you build it they will come

 

[MtnBikerChk]

I had never been able to do squats before - I'm 5'2" and the bar was uncomfortable.

Now, cuz I'm big and beefy, I can do it!!

MAN MY QUADS HURT! I'm walking funny.

 

[Arnold]

Originally posted by Scotty the Body:
I know some will disagree with me but I'd use the smith machine for squats til you get use to them.

No, no, no! Sorry Scotty, but the smith machine is not a good way to learn squats. It restricts your movement.

Use free weight, if all you can do at first is the bar, use that until you get the form down.



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train hard!

 

[mac sloan]

I would use the smith machine to teach people.
The smith machine is not bad.

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train smart not hard

 

[EarWax]

I agree with mac, I like the smith to learn squats.

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Lift well! But don't forget to put it down afterwards.

 

[crowman]

I agree with Prince on this one. The smith machine movement is not like a real squat. Just use the bar until you get the form down.

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-Crowman
MASS ABOVE ALL