block under heels while squatting

[cockdesiel]

I dont practice this, but I've noticed alot of bber's of the past used this method. Can someone tell me why we shouldnt do this ? Do you know anyone that ever hurt themselves using this form of squatting? Just curious

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

I think using a 45lbs plate under my heels combined with crappy squat form tweaked my left knee out several years ago. Fortunately it's fine now.

I don't see any reason. Build the flexibility to go into a full squat or wear olympic lifting shoes that are designed for it, or just squat slightly below or to parallel, real parallel that it is.

 

[H_T_]

i don't see any veteran lifters do this.

 

[gymtime]

Casualbb or Nate will be able to better explain the physiology of it, but putting a plate or board under your heels shifts the weight in such a way as to increase shearing forces on the knees. IMO, squats are best done on flat ground, pushing up from the heels.

 

[BlondBomber]

Casualbb or Nate will be able to better explain the physiology of it, but putting a plate or board under your heels shifts the weight in such a way as to increase shearing forces on the knees. IMO, squats are best done on flat ground, pushing up from the heels.

What he said.

 

[Madcow2]

The reason some olympic lifting shoes have extra heel on them is to compensate for limited flexability in the ankle and tendons. Also, these people are catching heavy cleans with max depth on the clavicles. Some extra heel enables you to stay more upright in the catch position. The amount of heel used can vary and there are specified maximums in the rules.

For people not interested in OL, and having no flexibility issues - do not use the plates. For those who can't squat full range without their heels coming up - go ahead and use something until you build the flexibility (it will come with full range squatting anyway).

Some body builders feel the plates shift the emphasis onto the quads a bit. The quads aren't the major driver of the squat anyway so more long term progress will be made (quads will eventually be bigger) by squatting without this. Sheer on the knee is indeed increased with some heel. I believe the patella bears the brunt of this.

 

[coolcolj]

Even with a heel you can still sitback, but it will allow you stay more upright whilst doing so

stand on a slope and then squat facing up the slope and down the slope, and note the differences, you can sitback more when facing down the slope

It's not alway black and white, there is grey too

 

[Royster]

quad involvement is related to squat depth.