I have been doing smith machine squats for a while, but after reading about into it, I have decided to switch to free weight squats. My problem is hamstring flexibility-- I am extremely tight. I can't get my legs past parallel without falling over backwards (this is unweighted) and I'm worried about what would happen with weight. I am also unable to sit cross legged because of this tightness, and I'm curious as to how I can alleviate it.
-
Hello, this board in now turned off and no new posting.
Please REGISTER at Anabolic Steroid Forums, and become a member of our NEW community!
-
Check Out IronMag Labs® KSM-66 Max - Recovery and Anabolic Growth Complex
Squat problems
- Thread starter anonymo
- Start date
Congratulations for being saved from that fucking useless machine
I too had that problem, BUT, i worked on my squat form without weight for awhile until i could go low and slowly wored my way up
also, i used a exercise ball at home to practice form, just put it behind your back and practice going up and down on the ball
I too had that problem, BUT, i worked on my squat form without weight for awhile until i could go low and slowly wored my way up
also, i used a exercise ball at home to practice form, just put it behind your back and practice going up and down on the ball
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2001
- Messages
- 11,622
- Reaction score
- 333
- Points
- 0
- Age
- 63
- Location
- An alternate reality.
You could also experiment with front squats. I find having the bar across the front of my shoulders helps me stay more upright at full squat. They take some practice, but once you get the technique down, they're great.
I agree, they practically force you to keep your form and posture correct, otherwise you will dump the bar...
Doesn't sound like hamstring tightness necessarily. There are a lot of things that could be an issue here. Everything from mobility problems to lacking core strength to technique issues and anywhere in between.
I also have the same problem when it comes to quats. I can only parallel to the floor. I read and also have been told that the taller you are harder it is to go deeper thatn parallel. I'm 6'4" so needless to say that may contribute to difficulties. I used to use the smith machine to do squats but I found it rough on back because it sort restrict my form. again I believe because of my height. So focus more on free weight and form. Good luck.
Squatting is natural for humans. I think you get conditioned away from it.
TESTOSTERONE NATION - The Third-World Squat
Suggestion: Look at the Asian guy's picture in the article. Do what he is doing often. If you can't do it... look at his picture again and you do just like him with elbows on knees. You now hold a couple of light dumbbells to balance. Weight is on you heels. It get's easy and natural pretty quick.
TESTOSTERONE NATION - The Third-World Squat
Suggestion: Look at the Asian guy's picture in the article. Do what he is doing often. If you can't do it... look at his picture again and you do just like him with elbows on knees. You now hold a couple of light dumbbells to balance. Weight is on you heels. It get's easy and natural pretty quick.
I'll toss out one more thing on this, or two. Both crude but effective. When a young woman pisses outside she squats very nicely. Give it a try. I really have taken dumps this way on several excursions. Not a good idea if it's loose and forceful and you wear nice shoes.
I had a really hard time with this squatting thing. I got kind of fixated on it mainly because I knew it would help my bad back(and I like taking craps outside). A lot of what I do at the gym is moving 45s back and forth near the floor. That and putting pins in near the floor. So I got into the habit of squatting WAY down every time I do theses things. I know it looks totally freaking retarded but who cares... its kind to my back and feels good.
I had a really hard time with this squatting thing. I got kind of fixated on it mainly because I knew it would help my bad back(and I like taking craps outside). A lot of what I do at the gym is moving 45s back and forth near the floor. That and putting pins in near the floor. So I got into the habit of squatting WAY down every time I do theses things. I know it looks totally freaking retarded but who cares... its kind to my back and feels good.
Squatting is natural for humans. I think you get conditioned away from it.
TESTOSTERONE NATION - The Third-World Squat
Suggestion: Look at the Asian guy's picture in the article. Do what he is doing often. If you can't do it... look at his picture again and you do just like him with elbows on knees. You now hold a couple of light dumbbells to balance. Weight is on you heels. It get's easy and natural pretty quick.
I absolutely agree. I hadn't read this article but, when I realized that I was inflexible, I started practicing squats every chance I could. Even if had to just get some milk from the fridge I'd squat down as low as I could with good form. It eventualy got easier and deeper. It definitely burns my glutes up to squat anymore. It never used to.
