Squat form check

[TheAugustKid]

Any suggestions on form are appreciated. And I know showing a 270 squat max after posting a 250 bench max seems pretty pathetic but I had to start over several times on my squat due to poor form and switched over to high bar squatting. But anyway, let's hear it!

 

[Fresh Biscuits]

It looks pretty good, I think, but the leg rest (or whatever that is) is blocking the bottom of your legs, so we can't tell how far past your toes your knees are going. It doesn't look like you have any butt wink (but you're wearing black pants in a dark room. Next time wear something light colored and make the room a little brighter).

Right before you squat, it looks like you're taking a bunch of short breaths, so I'm not sure if your lungs are full. When I attempt a 1RM I like to take a big deep breath before I take the weight off the rack, and hold it until I finish the rep and put the weight back.

 

[TheAugustKid]

Yeah i know it's not the best video to judge from but I decided to put it on last second.

And in a high bar squat my knees must go past my toes. Correct?

 

[Fresh Biscuits]

They should be slightly past your toes. Your knees should start bending at the same time your hips do, but as soon as they're past your toes they should stop moving forward.

I actually thought you were doing a low-bar squat, which is what pretty much everyone here would recommend for strength gains.

Another thing I'd add is that it looks as if you're looking up during the squat, but it's hard to tell. You should be looking at the floor about 6 feet in front of you.

 

[DrBdan]

They should be slightly past your toes. Your knees should start bending at the same time your hips do, but as soon as they're past your toes they should stop moving forward.

I actually thought you were doing a low-bar squat, which is what pretty much everyone here would recommend for strength gains.

Another thing I'd add is that it looks as if you're looking up during the squat, but it's hard to tell. You should be looking at the floor about 6 feet in front of you.

Your second and third paragraphs here are both debatable topics. Not saying you are wrong but people around here have differing opinions (hence debatable).

TheAugustKid: I think the squat looks good. I agree with Fresh Biscuits comments i.e. better lighting, lighter coloured clothes and moving the ottoman would help.

 

[scoopj]

DrBdan, what happened to the race to 1.5? Did you hit it yet? I'm at 1.36 but the thread seems to have been deserted.

 

[Fresh Biscuits]

Your second and third paragraphs here are both debatable topics. Not saying you are wrong but people around here have differing opinions (hence debatable).

TheAugustKid: I think the squat looks good. I agree with Fresh Biscuits comments i.e. better lighting, lighter coloured clothes and moving the ottoman would help.

For sure. Everyone is different, and a "correct" squat might not look the same for you as someone else. I learned my squat form from "Starting Strength", and I find it's made a big difference in my comfort, confidence, and control of the weight. The best tip I can give is read, and watch videos of some of the big squatters in this forum.

 

[DrBdan]

DrBdan, what happened to the race to 1.5? Did you hit it yet? I'm at 1.36 but the thread seems to have been deserted.

Yeah that thread doesn't get much love. I'm still working towards 1.5xBW. I hit 1.39xBW in September (the vid is in the log) but since then my lifting took a backseat to Muay Thai. I'm down about 7-8 lb since then so it should make hitting 1.5xBW easier. I'm just getting over a cold but once I'm back to 100% I'm hoping I can hit 1.5xBW before the end of the year.

 

[Merrill]

Take the videos in the evening or early morning when the light isn't shining in the window. Everybody's form tends to break down during a 1RM attempt, so it's best to get a set of 3-5 reps, preferably 5, for form checks. The first 2-3 reps will show if you are using good form before fatigue sets in. Take a video from the side as well with the camera staring straight down the bar when you are in the bottom position. The camera should be placed at about knee level. Try to get your entire body from feet to head when you are in the bottom position.

 

[scoopj]

Yeah that thread doesn't get much love. I'm still working towards 1.5xBW. I hit 1.39xBW in September (the vid is in the log) but since then my lifting took a backseat to Muay Thai. I'm down about 7-8 lb since then so it should make hitting 1.5xBW easier. I'm just getting over a cold but once I'm back to 100% I'm hoping I can hit 1.5xBW before the end of the year.

Looks like it's a two man race.:icon_twis