Question on Squat Depth

[Soupy]

Hi All-
So glad to have found this forum! I've been lifting for about a year now, but just got my hands on NROLFW (and convinced my husband to pick up NROL so I could compare), and was surprised at what they had to say about squat depth. I've spent the past year reading about how a real squat means hamstrings to calves, and have definitely seen great effects from squatting this way. When I use the NROL method, I find that I lose the arch in my back at slightly above parallel, which feels like cheating!

Anyone know if this might be a flexibility issue? Any thoughts?

[stingo]

I'd think if you could go ATG (ass to grass) without compromising form, that would be your best approach, but I'll defer to any of the pros who chime in.

[Lisa~]

Why you would lose your arch when slightly above parallel but be able to maintain it when doing a full squat makes no sense to me at all.

For squat depth, go as low as you can while maintaining a neutral spine and without tucking your tailbone under (which would change that neutral spine, huh). That depth will be different for each individual based on their own mobility and anatomy. If you can't get to parallel without changing your spine, then in addition to squats you should include some prying (sitting in the bottom squat position to work on opening the hips) and other mobility/flexibility work.

[tall_drinka_h20]

I just picked up a book (on recommendation from someone on this forum) called "Starting Strength" which is all about barbell training. It is super in-depth, the first 63 pages are about squats - not just a couple paragraphs like most books! If you are like me and need to understand the science behind things to grasp them, this book will really help your workout and is worth picking up!

[Irishman301]

Originally Posted by tall_drinka_h20

I just picked up a book (on recommendation from someone on this forum) called "Starting Strength" which is all about barbell training. It is super in-depth, the first 63 pages are about squats - not just a couple paragraphs like most books! If you are like me and need to understand the science behind things to grasp them, this book will really help your workout and is worth picking up!

+1