Squat Stance Question

[damnit458]

Ive been getting used to using correct form while squatting, mainly going down past parallel, meanwhile experimenting with parts of my stance to see what works best with me. The main thing ive been experimenting with has been the distance between my feet.

Hence my dilema. It seems to me that when I am squatting shoulder length distance works MUCH better for me than wider than that. For some reason I could go down a significant distance past parallel than with my feet wide apart (where I can barely get past parallel). This seems strange to me though. Almost everything Ive read suggests that a wider stance is usually a lot easier for people to use. Is there a reason Im able to go down so much more with my feet closer than further? Im not exactly lifting higher weights, infact I had to go down a little bit because it was more of a workout lifting from lower and lower heights off the ground, but it just seems to me weird that my form seems better with my feet closer. What do you guys think?

 

[Debaser]

The reason it's easier for a lot of people to squat wide stance with feet everted is because they're working around their dysfunctions.

I'd like to see how deep some of you guys can go with your feet hip width apart and straight ahead, without your back rounding.

 

[Extra_Strong]

well the reason that you can go down farther. is simply body machanics.
when you feet are close you have longer distance to travel then with them wide.
you can't go down as far because you run out of leg room. the farther your knees and feet are away from each other the less range of motion you have.

you should do both tell you have the form down really good with both.
then i would pick a happy middle. I like mine just about shoulder width.
but i do change it up once in a while.

 

[damnit458]

The reason it's easier for a lot of people to squat wide stance with feet everted is because they're working around their dysfunctions.

I'd like to see how deep some of you guys can go with your feet hip width apart and straight ahead, without your back rounding.

Yeah the reason I posted about this is I was a little worried that my form was suffering in some way I didnt realize by going that close. I didnt realize that people actually squatted shoulder length apart. I think over time my wide width stance will get better (as I get more flexible), and ill keep workin on both.

 

[Kane Fan]

The reason it's easier for a lot of people to squat wide stance with feet everted is because they're working around their dysfunctions.

I'd like to see how deep some of you guys can go with your feet hip width apart and straight ahead, without your back rounding.

I have no idea how deep I'd get
but I'll consider trying it
I have an easier time squatting WIde with feet out a bit
on deadlifts tho it's about the same, or a slightly easier time with feet closer

 

[damnit458]

I have no idea how deep I'd get
but I'll consider trying it
I have an easier time squatting WIde with feet out a bit
on deadlifts tho it's about the same, or a slightly easier time with feet closer

I never thought to try different lengths on DL's, Im curious as to what that will be like. Learn somethin new every day

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

Is there a reason Im able to go down so much more with my feet closer than further?

flexibility in your achilles. try squatting with a 10lb plate under each heal...

 

[dahamn]

I think I'm going to start trying a wider stance.....I have a plate and screws in my right ankle which limits the depth I can go, It doesn't bother me, it's just a range of motion thing. I have been going a little below parallel but would like to get down farther. Will I have to go quite a bit lighter in order to give this a try?


Dave

 

[damnit458]

I think I'm going to start trying a wider stance.....I have a plate and screws in my right ankle which limits the depth I can go, It doesn't bother me, it's just a range of motion thing. I have been going a little below parallel but would like to get down farther. Will I have to go quite a bit lighter in order to give this a try?


Dave

It'd probably be a good idea to go a little bit lighter to start out with, regardless of whether you are able to use the same weight. Get used to the form first, and then go from there. I doubt you'll have to use less weight once you actually get used to it, but thats just my .02.

GL with the lift!

 

[dahamn]

It'd probably be a good idea to go a little bit lighter to start out with, regardless of whether you are able to use the same weight. Get used to the form first, and then go from there. I doubt you'll have to use less weight once you actually get used to it, but thats just my .02.

GL with the lift!

Thanks, Monday is leg day......I'm gonna try it for the next couple of days with light weight......I'm pretty stoked and can't wait to get started.


Dave

 

[Illuminati]

flexibility in your achilles. try squatting with a 10lb plate under each heal...

this is not a very good idea. you are going to shift your weight forward, putting a lot of stress on your knees. not to mention that you can end up falling forward.

 

[Ish]

How come putting a plate under you heels is supposed to be bad for you knees, while wearing squat shoes is good?

this is not a very good idea. you are going to shift your weight forward, putting a lot of stress on your knees. not to mention that you can end up falling forward.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

this is not a very good idea. you are going to shift your weight forward, putting a lot of stress on your knees. not to mention that you can end up falling forward.

falling forward?? nope- never seen that...plates will allow you to go deeper in the pocket if you dont have good flexibilty in your achilles. And the only thing bad for your knees is not doing a full-below parellel squat.