Rep Range for Squatting

[British Bulldog]

I am 6, 3 tall & having a real hard time getting my squat form right. For most of the exercises I use only low reps (3-6), as my training is heavily oriented towards strength training. The problem comes when I’m squatting; whenever I do reps lower than 6, I struggle with my form, my knees come together & I lean forward to a point that I’m in danger of falling forward. But, when I keep reps between 8-10 the weight is comfortable enough that I can focus on my form & do proper reps.

My question is, will training in higher reps (between 8-10 for 3 sets) jeopardise STRENGTH gains on the squat? I want to know what repetition scheme others use for their workouts?

 

[strong-1]

You probably have a weak torso if you're bending over with the heavy wt.I suggest doing hvy. abs 3 times a week.Also you might need to place the bar lower on your back.And if your knees are coming in then your quads. are stronger than your hips so you need to work on your hip strength as well.Examp:Extra wide stance sq.(making sure to keep your knees out),wide stance sumo dl.,wide stance sq. jumps.JK

 

[pwr_machine]

Bigguns15 has had a problem with a forward lean. It's getting much better and we hope it continues to get better. Strengthening her hips and hams (w/ box squats, pull throughs, etc.) has made the difference. I contribute part of the forward lean to muscle imbalance. I think a stronger back tries to overcompensate and take the weight off the weaker hips and hams. Just a thought that may help.

 

[BigWh1tey]

Your form gets worse from doing high rep sets. I would stick with low rep sets (1-3) and just do more of them.
Box squats are king. Read the Box squat articles at Elite Fitness Systems. They will address every problem you mentioned.

 

[British Bulldog]

Thanks guys. I did 5x5 for the squats today & loved it. I tried a wider stance & made sure that I was looking up at all times. Previously I would have a tendency to look into mirror to see if I was going down enough. Anyway, I did not bend forward this time & made sure to keep the knees from coming together on ascending. A wider stance was also a big help.