Are squats good for all physiques and frames?

Brynweb

After starting bulk training for the first time just 3 weeks ago, I have noticed some progress on my upper body. Legs, however, is a different matter. I currently shy away from squats and stick to the leg machines, but the machines just don't 'feel' right.

My legs have always been thin (I'm 6'5", which doesn't help). I don't want to end up with an Arnie torso on Rowan Atkinson's legs!

Are squats right for someone of my physique?

Anonymous

hello Brynweb

get squating mate, i never did squats at first and had to play catch up big time. what you will find is they put mass on the whole body.

also do deadlifts cos these make squating so much easier.

practise with a bar first and make sure you get the form right,alot of people fall into the trap of not going down deep.

i,d say everyone should squat.

Brynweb

Thanks for the advice, Steve.

I'll give 'em a go this afternoon and see how they feel!

zx9rjas

I agree, Squats are a must even at 6 foot 5. Big Lou did squats. O.k. Tall people are never going to push as much weight as shorter people but this doesn't mean that they are stuck with thin legs and thats it.

Make sure that you get the correct form to start with otherwise you will be taking alot of the load on your back and off of your legs (no good for leg building and only good for a injured back), its best if you can get someone to show you how to squat and make sure that you are doing it correctly.

Think of sitting down into a chair, go down so your thighs are parallel with the floor and stick your arse out. Drive up with your heels. If you are pushing with your toes you are probably leaning forward, but really the best way is to be shown.

J

BBM

Barring injury or physical ailments, squats are among the most important exercises a lifter can perform.

Don't get stuck into thinking you must keep your feet at shoulder width while doing squats. This will only force you to lean forward, putting your back in a bad position.

Play with your stance. Move your feet out trying different widths of foot placement. Also, try turning your feet out(up to a 45 degree angle). This will also help you reach parallel without unnecessary forward lean. Finally, if you still lean forward more than you a comfortable with, try wearing work boots or some other shoe with an elevated heel.

With these adjustments to your squatting style, it is sure to make your squatting experience more pleasurable.

Anonymous

i,m a ass the ground squatter 8)

GTForce

A good way to perfect your squatting technique is to do some squats facing a wall. Take a stick (not a bar, form always comes before load) and place it on your upper traps as you would a barbell. Face a wall with your toes 4-6 inches from the wall. Now squat...if your face hits the wall you're leaning to far forward. As zx9rjas said, stick your ass out and drive up through the heels. Also, as BBM said, point your toes out slighly in order to help your hips open up. This technique can be hard at first but try to go deeper and deeper each rep until you are sinking to a point where your thighs are below parallel. If you cannot get to parallel then address the issue. More often than not, it is tightness through the hamstrings and/or calves. Do not even use a barbell until you have your form down. Weight can always be added later, bad form is hard to fix. Try sinking into the lowest position you can without raising your heels or having your face smack the wall in front of you and hold yourself in that bottom position until your legs give out. You should be able to remain in the bottom position, tight and solid, for 90 seconds.

GTForce

Oh yeah, if you don't have squats in your routine...you don't have routine. If you want to add an each to your arms, try adding 100 pounds to your squat instead of wasting your time with arm curls. You cannot shoot a cannon from a canoe, build up your base...that means squats and deadlifts