You Don't Know Squat!
Ok, so you think squats are bad for the knees and back. Well then you don't know squat about squats. This is one exercise that can benefit almost every muscle in your body if you do them correctly and safely. So good, in fact, that you MUST do them. I don't care if you're a power lifter, bodybuilder, or a ballerina. You gotta do them! Question is, how? The answer is, as safely as possible without losing any of the benefits! The art and science of medicine dictates that while using drugs, you must minimize the risks while maximizing the benefits. If there's one way to take your iron pill, then, it's in large doses! That means SQUATING!!
Here are a few myths about squats:
MYTH #1: Squats are bad for the knees
SHATTER THE MYTH
Just as calluses build up on the hands with the application
of stress, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues
thicken in response to the stressed imposed upon the joints
during weight training. Also, strengthening the muscles that
move the knee joint improves its stability, and there's some
evidence that even the portion of the bone into which the tendons
insert becomes stronger, further improving the joint's integrity.
While proper stress produces adaptation, overly stressful exercise
can cause breakdown of bodily tissue.
Whenever you squat, hack squat, or leg press your feet position is an important variable in determining not only the results you'll obtain from the exercise, but also the safety of your knee joints. Although each individual must determine their own best stance exercise per exercise (based on their own anatomical peculiarities such as height and leg length), the following variables must be taken into consideration:
The quadriceps muscles can contract more efficiently when the feet are pointing slightly outward. They should NEVER point straight ahead. If you squat with a very wide stance, your adductors (inner thighs) tend to assist the quads. This can result in stress to the medial collateral ligament, abnormal cartilage loading, and improper patellar tracking.
During the descent phase of any type of squat, leg press, or hack squat, do not allow the knees to extend beyond your toes. The further your knees travel over your feet, the greater the shearing forces on the patellar tendon and ligament in the knee.
Although many top bodybuilders advocate a very close stance for the purpose of isolating the outer quads, this is a myth, and it places you at risk, particularly since you'll have to use a lot of back to execute the lift, or (if you use heels) place great shear and compression on the knees, especially the posterior cruciate ligament which stabilizes the knee joint and limits rotation and hyperextension of the knee.
Always warm up thoroughly before squatting. Your muscles and other tissues of the knee joint LOVE warmth! Think of this analogy, cold taffy breaks, warm taffy doesn't. So warm up to prevent injuries.
squat strengthMYTH #2: Squats are dangerous for the spine
SHATTER THE MYTH
If performed with a relatively straight back, the weight is
borne directly over the spinal column, and torque as well as
shearing force is minimized. Weight training is supposed to
strengthen the supportive tissues of the body (bones, muscles,
and connective tissues). So wear a belt when the weight is heavy
and the reps are low, but stay away from such supportive devices
otherwise.
MYTH #3: I can isolate my quads better by using a block or weight under my heels
SHATTER THE MYTH
The practice of putting blocks or weights under your heels is
widespread among bodybuilders in order to gain better isolation
of the quads while squatting. The problem is that your knees
go way out over your feet, placing great shear and compression
on both the cartilage and ligaments of the knee, which over
time can cause serious damage to the knee joint.
MYTH #4:Bodybuilders will get bigger, more defined quads with leg extension, and they'll get bigger, more defined hamstrings with leg curls, so they don't need squats
SHATTER THE MYTH
I recognize the need for other leg exercises in a bodybuilder's
routine. Leg curls and leg extensions are great, but don't get
the idea that they are how a bodybuilder gets definition! DIET
provides definition. As for squatting, well, let me give you
words of wisdom from Jeff MADDOG, the ISSA strength coach for
the university of North Carolina.
Down the road, in a gym far away
A young man was heard to say,
"No matter what I do, my legs won't grow!"
He tried leg extensions, leg curls, leg presses too.
Trying to cheat, these sissy workouts he'd do!
From the corner of the gym where the big guys train,
Through a cloud of chalk and the midst of pain,
Where the big iron rides high, and threatin' lives,
Where the noise is made with big forty-fives,
A deep voice bellowed as he wrapped his knees,
A very big man with legs like trees,
Laughing as he snatched another plate from the stack,
Chalked his hands and monstrous back,
Said, "Boy, stop lying and don't say you've forgotten!
Trouble with you is you aint been SQUATIN'!!"
MYTH #5: Squats will give you a broad butt
SHATTER THE MYTH
Lots of people squat without getting big glutes. Fact is that
gluteal development is more often due to genetics and not squats.
If this myth were true then everyone performing squats would
have a broad butt. The simple movement of sitting down and standing
back up mimics the same body movements as a squat. So, if this
myth were true then everyone would have a broad but just from
sitting and standing. Your maker gave you your genetics whether
it is a small, medium, or large butt. Be proud of what you have
and SQUAT with it!
MYTH #6: Squats are only good for strong men or serious athletes
SHATTER THE MYTH
If you've never performed a squat before and you're interested
in trying this great exercise please seek professional help
from one of our certified fitness trainers to teach you proper
form and technique. If performed properly and safely the squat
can be a very rewarding exercise for every person. There are
so many benefits to the body from this one exercise; increased
lower body strength, stamina, stability and balance, increased
bone density in the legs and hips to help prevent osteoporosis,
possible broken bones and fractures, increased strength in the
low back, obliques, and abdomen plus so many other benefits
to the body that I could write a whole just on the rest of them.
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Squats are often called the "KING" of all exercises. Every athlete and fitness person should do squats; but you have to do them correctly and safely! You must maintain a very erect body position when descending into the deep squat position. Leaning too far forward in the squat can be dangerous to your lower back. You should also learn how to go down into the squat position so you are low enough. The top of your thighs should be parallel to the floor in a well-executed squat. Higher than that, and your losing some of the benefit to your strong hip muscles (gluteals and hamstrings). The pressure of the weight should be placed on your heels while descending as well as ascending and never on your toes as this can cause abnormal patellar (knee cap) tracking and over time serious damage to the knee joint. If you've never done squats before or if you've been doing them and are unsure if you've been doing them correctly make sure you see one of our certified fitness instructors. They will instruct you on proper foot spacing and bar spacing on your back as well as proper body alignment and body mechanics.
Article by Jeremy Barnett. Fitness Director for Fitness Advantage in Ft. Myers, Fl. ISSA & IFPA Certified Fitness Trainer, Certified Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Certified Post Injury Fitness and Rehabilitation Trainer
Related Pages
- Go here for squat technique
- Are squats bad for your knees? - the squat myth
- Gym Equipment Guide: The Squat Rack
- Weightlifting Belt — benefits of using a weightlifting belt, how to wear it, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for proper use.
- About the quadriceps muscle group
- Discussion about fitness exercise technique
- Complete list of fitness exercises
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