Chronic fear of the squat

[Fedoraba]

Everytime I squat I get images of someone from S&P throwing me throu the mirror if I dont go to atleast parralel(after all being a beginner and just looking at most peoples training logs makes my penis shrivel up and I have to check if im growing a vagina). This fear has coused me to go extra low on my last set and I failed after 3 reps :redface:

How do I conquer this fear without seeking proffesional help?

 

[muerteverde]

Lighten your weight? I used to do the quarter squats when I didn't know any better. Now when I got back into squatting this year, I started with very low weight. I am talking like 65 pounds on my back. I made sure to go very very lower until I was used to the movement and the stretch. Getting used to the stretch and developing strength in that lwoer range was the most important part. I have been getting a lot more comfortable with it now though, and have slowly worked up to doing a still very like 210 lbs. I am not moving huge weight, but I am building confidence and strength in that lower range. I suggest you do the same. Start small and do it right, then build from there.

 

[DEVILsSON]

Do Box Squats...the box will teach you the proper depth, so that your body will automatically know afterwards where that depth is....3 inches below parallel is a good height...

 

[Fedoraba]

Do Box Squats...the box will teach you the proper depth, so that your body will automatically know afterwards where that depth is....3 inches below parallel is a good height...

How high of a box?

I see some people only touch the box, and some fully sit down on it. Whats the general consensus on this?

 

[Alon]

I can sympathise with this, the way I get over it is to not think of the descent phase as a drop, just of letting your legs unlock and press out in a way that allows the bar to still go downwards. This stops me from bouncing in the bottom or getting into a weird position, just keep in mind that if you're used to 1/2 squats then you should decrease the weight for a little while.

On another note, the entire year I spent in Montreal, I didn't get any spotting. Apparently it's dangerous, so I'd see these olympic lifters (well I'm only counting them, the McGill gymmers didn't squat) miss backsquats by jumping forward a bit and letting the bar fall down, interesting.

 

[foobar**]

One way to build up your confidence is to do front squats, it is easier to get the form right and nobody will laugh at you if you go light

 

[skeet]

One way to build up your confidence is to do front squats, it is easier to get the form right and nobody will laugh at you if you go light

Let them laugh, who cares?

 

[carson2121]

dude just do what u can and shut the hell up

 

[ahab]

Think long and hard about the reps and weights that you are going to do that workout and be cautious / conservative in your choices. Only do weights & reps you know you can do.

If you don't follow them imagine Carnal kicking you in the ribs with a very heavy boot. Repeatedly. For being a dipshit and not chosing the best weights for your workout. To become strong lifting to your limit is not necessary for every lift. Doing 5 lbs more well is better than failing at 10 lbs more.

Are you looking up? Have you tried ldriving the bar with your hands?

I've had reps that stalled, that I didn't expect to get anywhere near stalling, drove up with my hands a little bit and *bam* the rep was done.

Its not going down, its a negative. They are just as important if not more important than their gravity defying counterpart. Too late in the morning to find the link on t-nation right now.

Boxes are good for explosiveness, not for completely replacing the full squat. Maybe a set or two, but not your main working sets.

What are you doing for squat assistance?

 

[Fedoraba]

What are you doing for squat assistance?

Im following Starr's 5x5 at the moment.

 

[Lusst]

dude just do what u can and shut the hell up

Uh-oh! Who let the mildly retarded, angry teenager in?


But yeah, start with a broomstick if you have to so you can train your body to go to the right depth. You'll know when you're below parallel...trust me.

 

[Fedoraba]

Uh-oh! Who let the mildly retarded, angry teenager in?


But yeah, start with a broomstick if you have to so you can train your body to go to the right depth. You'll know when you're below parallel...trust me.

This was more of a joke of how everyone on here is so anal about going to atleast parralel, Its going ATG that screws up my form and im leaning forward way to much coming out of the hole. I know I know "Good Mornings" right :icon_chee

 

[TheNerdKing]

DevilsSon wins this thread.

Do box squats with a box set below parallel.

Do both the full sit down type and the touch and go type.

Do the full sit down type on DE day and do the touch and go on ME day.

DE:

Sit down and pause for a sec. Then explode up and get as much bar speed as possible.

Sit back down and repeat for triples.

ME:

Load the bar up and do your rep smooth down and smooth up. Touch and go.