Squat Depth - whats the best method?

[Eric Cartman]

I'm having a hard time figuring out the ideal squat depth for myself.

For one thing, I cannot tell when I'm parallel, even looking in a mirror its hard to tell.

Another problem is I'm squatting to different depths on each rep, its hard to get consistency.

Anyone have any tips about this?

Thanks,
Eric

[Cards]

Use a box or have a partner call depth.

[Bosch232]

If your gym has bands, you can have someone observe and tell you where 90 deg is. Then tie the bands in position on the rack so that you feel them on the back of your thighs when you go down.

[Eric Cartman]

Thanks!

[Tom Mutaffis]

I'm having a hard time figuring out the ideal squat depth for myself.

For one thing, I cannot tell when I'm parallel, even looking in a mirror its hard to tell.

Another problem is I'm squatting to different depths on each rep, its hard to get consistency.

Anyone have any tips about this?

Thanks,
Eric

Are you concerned with depth because you want to compete in Powerlifting? Or do you just want to get the most out of your squats?

[BG5150]

Just go all the way down each time.

[Big Dan]

Just go all the way down each time.

Cheers for that brilliant advice dude.

[mark yates]

Hi Eric -
I have an answer for you regarding your Squat depth issue. Visit: www.squatprecisionAZ.com
This device is primarily used by Powerlifters because -
(a) During a competition, if you squat too high ( above or at parallel, or if your " hip flexor " does not break parallel ) - red lights by the judges - the lift is not good.
(b) Squatting too deep in a competition means you could have had more weight on the bar by squatting not as deep - thus receiving a higher poundage, one rep. maximum squat.
(c) Answer? www.squatprecisionAZ.com detects whatever depth you are trying to achieve. If you place the device high on your thigh - you will receive an audio alert at a fraction below parallel. If you place the device lower, you will have to squat deeper to get an audio alert. The device does not " Beep " at or ABOVE parallel.
Summary: It would be a good squat program to wear the device just above the knee on a couple of warm up sets. Then, raise the device a bit, increase your weight on the bar, and lower the reps. Then, end with more weight on the bar, with the device high on your thigh - doing sets of perhaps3 to 5 reps. Pretty much a pyramid with sets / reps of: 10,10, 8,8, 6,4 - increasing the poundage each set. You can watch multiple product video demos at www.squatprecisionAZ.com on page 2. Or at www.youtube.com/benching341 and see playlist 2012 squat precision. Reply back with any questions !

[Eric Cartman]

Are you concerned with depth because you want to compete in Powerlifting? Or do you just want to get the most out of your squats?

I just want the most out of squats, I don't want to cheat the reps...

[thecityalive]

I just want the most out of squats, I don't want to cheat the reps...

I just want to say you have been doing some kick ass work this past year. Your attitude and will to work has changed tremendously since I first started reading your log. Way to be.

Stripper squats. I don't know if mobility is an issue for you, but everyone should be able to get parallel. Take your hands on a squat bar/rack and hold yourself up as you sit down to parallel. Do this next to a mirror if you can to get a feel for where you are, depth wise. Repeat this a few times to get that feeling planted in your head. This will also help warm you up for actually squatting at that depth.

You could also do a countdown from three as you descend to that depth. I know a lot of powerlifters do this, but it helps remind me that I should be at my depth. Just do this mentally. It will help you from bombing out in the hole and allow for a controlled descent.

[Eric Cartman]

I just want to say you have been doing some kick ass work this past year. Your attitude and will to work has changed tremendously since I first started reading your log. Way to be.

Stripper squats. I don't know if mobility is an issue for you, but everyone should be able to get parallel. Take your hands on a squat bar/rack and hold yourself up as you sit down to parallel. Do this next to a mirror if you can to get a feel for where you are, depth wise. Repeat this a few times to get that feeling planted in your head. This will also help warm you up for actually squatting at that depth.

You could also do a countdown from three as you descend to that depth. I know a lot of powerlifters do this, but it helps remind me that I should be at my depth. Just do this mentally. It will help you from bombing out in the hole and allow for a controlled descent.

Thanks, my attitude is just to give 110 percent all the time now... its been a bit of a crazy year with a lot of unforeseen setbacks, but if I can continue to build on the progress I've made I'll be very pleased.

Appreciate the advice on squat depth, I think I was cheating the depth and now that I've corrected that, I am getting more out of the exercise.