which vertebrae should the bar sit for a back squat?

[40butpumpin]

this was a question on the CSCS exam. is it C3? i would assume a high-bar back squat.

 

[Exodus]

i dont know if its an 1 size fits all, people have different proportions.

when you put your hands on the bar and squeeze your back and traps together, a nice groove forms lower on the back, keep playing around and you'll find it.

X

 

[pwr_machine]

I'm really shocked that you'd receive such a question. I've only seen where the NSCA distinguishes between a "low bar position" and a "high bar position" on squat. The low bar position is located across the posterior deltoids at the middle of the trapezius. The high bar position is located above the posterior deltods at the base of the neck. I've been to the site and I'm getting no matches as I search the journals online. I'll try to dig further on your question and ask around, but that's a tough one.

 

[40butpumpin]

pwr_machine, exactly, that is how they describe it in the text, however, on the exam last April, in NYC, that was a question. a question of which i still have no answer. lol

i agree, Exodus.

 

[bignate73]

below C7.

 

[Lord_Suston]

at least try below c5, or you might crush some vital nerves. It really is a bogus question since their is muscle and a natural groove it sits in

 

[bignate73]

at least try below c5, or you might crush some vital nerves. It really is a bogus question since their is muscle and a natural groove it sits in

absolutely below C7, no other choice. the cervical spine isnt made to hold weight on it. even a high bar squat sits below C7. the bar rests on the thoracic spine for back squats.

 

[40butpumpin]

thanks bros, it must be C7. i looked around myself and that's all that kept coming up.

 

[bigstve12]

i would say for sure not above C7

 

[Lord_Suston]

I agree with you bignate- mine actually sits about c7 cause it lays on my traps by my delts, but since they have grown a lot the bar is much higher than when I had no traps, lol