I WILL learn how to squat properly

[cmdubs]

I've been squatting off and on for the past couple years with horrible form (WAY too much forward knee flexion) and I'd end up with knee problems every time. I tried having the PT's at my gym watch my form and the only answer they could provide was "some people just can't squat, do leg presses or use the smith machine." I will not accept this. I've done lots of research, and I WILL teach myself. I will practice sitting back without my knees traveling forward no matter how many times I fall on my ass.

This has become my new goal and I will make it happen.
Mark my words, I WILL be squatting 225 with PERFECT form by Christmas.

 

[KillahBee]

good luck bro, u got the right attitude.
here is a good site that someone mentioned on another thread that I refer to when I need to watch examples of good form.

http://www.asylum-strength.com/videos.htm

 

[strangebrew]

Sounds like the trainers at your gym are a bunch of jackasses.

Just do it man, I'm sure plenty of people on the board are willing to help if you need it.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

post a video my man.

 

[cheesecake]

Go get 'em.

My suggestion: Squat facing a wall. Practice without the bar. Get in your normal squat stance. Put your toes up against the wall and squat. If either your knees or your face touch the wall, you are not sitting back enough.

Also, do tons of box squats. They will help teach you to sit back properly. If you don't have a box, just go to a grocery store and ask them if they will let you have a milk crate. If the milk crate isn't high enough for you, then put a 45lb plate on top of it. I have to use 2-45lb plates, but I'm 6'5".
...chad...

 

[CobraUTAH]

I taught myself how to squat properly by hanging onto a door knob or any stationary object and then focusing on keeping my knees in the right position. Try that and you can eventually learn to balance at the same time.

 

[cmdubs]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. This site has assisted me in my training and motivation for the last year or so. I'd post a vid, but I don't have access to the camera. I will try the wall squat. Tonight I may not even use the bar. I might just hold onto the squat rack and teach myself to sit back. Hopefully this will teach me balance.

 

[Exodus]

I tried having the PT's at my gym watch my form and the only answer they could provide was "some people just can't squat, do leg presses or use the smith machine." I will not accept this.

hell yeah!!!........ karma for you bro for not going with the crowd........ 90% of people would have just taken the PT's advice, you have my respect.

go to the powerlifting forum, look at the sticky's at the top about how to squat by Arioch.......... this will help you.

X

 

[cmdubs]

Thanks Exodus. I actually read the squat article in the powerlifting section this morning and it proved to be very helpful.

 

[JLA]

cmdubs-
Try widening your stance to past shoulder width. I'm fairly tall and it seems to help.

 

[cmdubs]

cmdubs-
Try widening your stance to past shoulder width. I'm fairly tall and it seems to help.

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

 

[casualbb]

Initiate the motion by sitting back.

A lot of people I see squatting have this issue, they initiate the motion with knee flexion. To help correct that, I have them squat down and touch their butts on a box behind them. That enforces the sitting back thing and they usually have decent form afterwards.

 

[Cochise (M-Wave)]

cmdubs,
Get on it dude. Just keep working at it and it will come. It just takes patience.

 

[cmdubs]

I worked hard on form last night and actually got somewhere. I worked up to 165 without hardly ANY forward knee flexion. I began initiating the movement more with my ass than my knees. NO knee pain afterwards either. Problem is, when I sink into the hole I get pain in my hips and upper ass/lower back. Stiffness and pain still there this morning.

I think I'm being punished.

 

[slobberknocker]

It definitely sounds like you're not sitting back enough. Box squats will teach you to do that. I can't believe those PT's told you that some people just can't squat. That's bullshit.

You can do it man.

 

[cmdubs]

It definitely sounds like you're not sitting back enough. Box squats will teach you to do that. I can't believe those PT's told you that some people just can't squat. That's bullshit.

You can do it man.

thanks bro....form is already improving..although it seems I now have another obstacle to overcome

 

[Citruscide]

I tried having the PT's at my gym watch my form and the only answer they could provide was "some people just can't squat, do leg presses or use the smith machine." I will not accept this.

ROFL ... Trainers.

C-ditty

 

[BigWh1tey]

Dave Tate said that it can take a trainer a year to get someone to free squat correctly, but you could teach that same person in 10 minuutes with a box.

 

[thebrute]

Dave Tate said that it can take a trainer a year to get someone to free squat correctly, but you could teach that same person in 10 minuutes with a box.

this is true!! tb