Ass to the Grass Squatting - JP Fitness Forums

GqArtguy · 01-31-2006, 11:55 PM

Normally when someone says they squat ATG, I take it to mean that their butt is actually lying on top of the posterior side of the calves and lower achilles (lower if they have long femurs).

But I came across some true ATG squats, frankly I cant do this. Ive tried those positions and they feel like crap:

JoshDunn · 02-01-2006, 12:38 AM

Thats about as low as you can get.

Their not moving light weights either.

austintwo · 02-01-2006, 05:16 AM

ass to the grass overhead squats?!?! Unreal pics . . .

Ogedei · 02-01-2006, 06:12 AM

my legs don't bend that way.....

At least not willingly.

Og.

TrainingGirl · 02-01-2006, 07:15 AM

Ow ow ow...that hurts my knees just looking at it.

Mahler · 02-01-2006, 08:24 AM

That hurts everything just looking at it.
The Chinese seem to be really kicking ass in strength training.

Mahler

Marykaa · 02-01-2006, 08:31 AM

I like my knees too much to even try that.

I'd like to see how they feel in 20-30 years.. life is long, much longer than we think when we're 20..

dos · 02-01-2006, 08:41 AM

A couple of my favorite pics....
Stefan Botev catching a 550 lb. clcean during training

Ivan Chakarov doing his infamous 595 lb. x 3 reps 'no-no-no' back squat (no belt, no knee wraps, no spotter). Check out the vertical spine!

Lastly, Aranda doing his 640 x 2 reps back squat..

Oh, and mahler, you're sure right about those Chinese....they love their weightlifting!

Mahler · 02-01-2006, 08:47 AM

dos,
That's hilarious.

M

Chris Correia · 02-01-2006, 09:04 AM

Yeah, but that's bearly any weight. :P

Re the rest of the pics: GQ, what benefit is there to squatting that way? It seems overly awkward.

Dos: I always love those pics. Quite incredible. Obviously, you don't have a Jones for the Chinese like GQ does. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Adam H. · 02-01-2006, 09:38 AM

I'm not GQ, but in the pics he posted the benefit is that you don't have to pull the bar as high and can still catch the snatch... which means heavier weights.

I have a question as well... what is the best way to increase flexibilty for deeper ATG squating?

Adam

Chris Correia · 02-01-2006, 09:41 AM

That's what I assumed, so I guess two or three inches lower can make a difference. I can't imagine being able to stand from that position. OTOH, maybe they are actually more fully under the bar and can stand straight up more easily.

PaulJ · 02-01-2006, 09:46 AM

Quote "Normally when someone says they squat ATG, I take it to mean that their butt is actually lying on top of the posterior side of the calves and lower achilles (lower if they have long femurs).

But I came across some true ATG squats, frankly I cant do this. Ive tried those positions and they feel like crap:"

If I attempted that I probably would crap.

Adam H. · 02-01-2006, 09:47 AM

In competition, every inch counts...

I can't imagine contorting myself into that position in the first place, let alone standing up! A freaky display of flexibility, strength, and balance.

Adam

dos · 02-01-2006, 09:48 AM

The chinese were actually also the first ones to use the same 'full overhead squat' technique in the JERK as well (rather than the split). Pretty amazing to see especially when you consider how much shoulder flexibility you need to have to perform a full overhead squat with a CLEAN grip rather than a snatch grip.

dos · 02-01-2006, 09:51 AM

and when traditional squats just get too difficult, let Frank Zane show you an alternative...ummm, COMFY!
http://www.frankzane.com/christine/EQUIPMENT.htm

Adam H. · 02-01-2006, 09:58 AM

[ QUOTE ]
and when traditional squats just get too difficult, let Frank Zane show you an alternative...ummm, COMFY!
http://www.frankzane.com/christine/EQUIPMENT.htm

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL! I love this line: "But aside from the pain of holding the barbell on your shoulders, heavy squatting is hard on the knees and lower back, and will enlarge the buttocks."

I can't wait to squat today... my buttocks is feeling kinda small.

Adam

GqArtguy · 02-01-2006, 10:48 AM

A few things:

1) You dont just walk into a gym and start doing this, these people are selected for their genetics for the sport and have developed flexibility over the years. We see gymnasts dispplay so crazy flexibility, but its something that you train and partly something youre born to do when at the elite level, at least in the style that China likes to promote.

2)The benefit of squatting lower is that you dont have to pull the bar as high. Before I ever got into the world of heavy o-lifts, I didnt think that made any sense. Why not hoist it up as high as you can and be safer? Because it requires a TON of energy. Its easier to just drop yourself under it rather than try to keep pulling.

3)You dont need to squat like, as the pics that Dos posted are of guys that have done quite well in o-lifting. Hell, Dimas would almost power clean his lifts, but thats because his legs were like industrial pistons.

4) You can increase your flexibility in the squat by stretching the ankle, hamstring, glute, lower back, hip and quads, but your ultimate depth will be based on limb length. I know some people who will never get that low or even as low as Dos' pics because of the length of their shins or femurs.

dos · 02-01-2006, 12:13 PM

speaking of Pyros Dimas....i am always amazed when i see this traing hall footage. He POWER snatches 330lbs. during training which is more than any 175lb. American can full snatch. Also check out the POWER cleans with 385 and how he walks it over to the rack to start his front squats. Oh, and don't miss the 440lb. front squats that look like me with 135lbs.!
http://media.putfile.com/Ironmind_1993_Dimas