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Anonymous
ok /fit/, I have trouble with squats. I don't know why, but I have a hard time balancing myself and maintaining proper form when I go down with the weight on my back. I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to move my feet further apart, beyond shoulder length (possibly far beyond it).

how would that affect the workout? would it help me do 'regular' squats eventually? is this even a good idea?
>> Anonymous
Well since you haven't activated your certain balancing muscles in that area , it might take a couple tries to fire them up. Of course what I mean is that you have to go at for a couple days (incorporate throughout your workout). Also at the same time lower the weight at first.
>> Anonymous
I saw someone using a box to sit on after every rep when going down. what was he doing? do you think having the box to 'catch' me would help?
>> JESUS
>>189919
Box squats
>> Anonymous
It really depends how your body works. the box is for balancing. If you can squat all the way down with your ass touching the floor be my guest. However if you want to use the box you are more than welcome to do so. It really all depends on how your body handles the weight and movement.

If you have having trouble and want better balance. I suggest using the Smith machine ( i think that is what is it called) for starter. It will help balance the bar also at the same time it is a lot safer cause if you are about to give out, at least you can hook the bar on the side railing for support.

Once you can handle the weight go back to the alone straight bar
>> Anonymous
Your feet dont have to be any set distance apart, its still a squat one way or the other so try out different foot placements without any weight.
>> Anonymous !8Xw7SEavw6!!eqj
I'd say your calfs and hamstrings are too tight, making you place more weight on the ball of your foot, rather than the heel. This would make balance a lot tougher than usual.

Example: I used to train for rowing. Many people did not have good flexibility so after 50+ squats with no weight, their legs would be shaking because they did them all from the ball sof their feet.

When doing weight squats the problem what multiplied so the club used to have strips of foam used to drop weights on to and placed them under their heels. It allowed them to push more weight because they had balance without having to wait untill they got flexibility back.
>> Anonymous
try doing frontsquats.
>> Anonymous
>>189928
never go that deep, you can totally fuck your knees

>>189965
...just....no....
>> Anonymous
>>190109
you are retarded, get of the internet please
>> Anonymous
>>189965

Yeah im pretty sure your talking bullshit, your supposed to push up through your heels not the ball of your foot. Youve got it completely the wrogn way round.
>> Anonymous
there is nothing wrong with having your feet wider apart than shoulder width
just find a comfortable feet position that allows you to go bellow parallel without rounding your back or raising on your toes
>> Anonymous
>>190109
Wrong you ALWAYS go that low, it's far more effective and the pressure on you knees is no worse than going horizontal. If you do squats with proper form they are safe, if you do them without then they are dangerous.
>> Anonymous
Balls of feet train calves, heels train quads.
Move your feet as wide as you want, just keep your toes pointing the way they naturally should. Starting out with heavier weight actually helped me since it put more pressure on the less flexible areas.
>> ZC !ZcFit7DWNs
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>I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to move my feet further apart, beyond shoulder length (possibly far beyond it).

>how would that affect the workout? would it help me do 'regular' squats eventually? is this even a good idea?

It's a fine idea. It's called a power squat. It takes work away from the quads and recruits more from the hips/hams/glutes.
>> Anonymous
thanks! I will try this out today
>> Anonymous
As for the reply I have given last night. After reading responders. There is still one thing I forgot to ask you. Are you doing this for maximal strength training or are you going for endurance?
>> Anonymous
>>190699
max strength right now.

I'm actually following the WSFSB workout:
http://www.defrancostraining.com/articles/archive/articles_westside.htm

also, the leg curl machine at my gym is broken. any alternatives to workout those muscles without it? I know about Glute Ham Raises but need someone to help, which isn't always possible.
>> Anonymous
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<---Improvised GHR