how deep should I squat?

[kentucky]

trying to strengthen my core, and build some glutes.

How deep? exactly

 

[casualbb]

Glute activation increases the lower you go. So, low as possible.

 

[kentucky]

so if possible, my ass could touch my heels?

 

[coolcolj]

just go down until your hamstrings touch your calves.

 

[FatRat]

You may be restricted by your flexibility. Be careful that by trying to go too low you don’t round your back and loose your form. I would think that thighs just bellow parallel will be low enough to work your glutes well.

 

[Toozee]

I go very low, but my glutes don't touch my heels.
About like what CCJ said. I just make sure to keep good form.

 

[Exodus]

go low as possible without sacrificing form.

X

 

[Lord_Suston]

hmmm unitl recent years I thought parrallel is when the top of my quads was parallel with the floor, not I just go lower cause for me is just feels better plus it really helps the glutes and back out a lot going so deep.

 

[slinky]

Depends on what you're doing. For power lifting the hips just need to be below the knees. Any lower it's considered to be a waste of effort. In Olympic lifting, you need ATF to be able to catch the big weights.

As has been said, the lower you go, your hips/glute/hams are recruited more.

 

[Just2Flex4Ever]

Go Low enough that if you place a marble on your knee it will row down to your hips!! MY BFS coach taught me that!

 

[louden_swain]

Squat to where you are comfortable.

 

[JollyRogers]

I touch my bum on the floor with shoes that are an inch high

 

[BlkWS6]

I go down until my calves and hams seem to fuse together as one. For some reason that is the only way I feel strong on squats. When I try to stop just at parallel it has always felt odd for me.

 

[needsize]

ass to the floor is what built my quads

 

[louden_swain]

Parallel or slightly below is the best.

In order to achieve this depth work on hip flexibility,

I recommend at least a shoulder width stance. . with some box work. I find that this helps with depth. Also, if you are feeling too much stress in the knee while squatting re-evaluate your form. The squat should be about hip and upper quads.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Use care and common sense brother. Smooth your way into it and find your groove.

 

[louden_swain]

Use care and common sense brother. Smooth your way into it and find your groove.

Excellent advice!!