Today we’re going to break down proper squat form & learn how to correct some common squatting technique mistakes.
Most people classify the squat as a “leg” exercise, but it’s really a full body exercise that works every major muscle group to some degree – especially the legs, hips, back, and mid-section.
In addition to building muscle and strength, squats will help increase your flexibility, mobility, and it’s a movement pattern that will carry over into improving your functional strength.
If you’ve never received proper coaching with the squat, than you might be making some very common beginner squatting mistakes. That’s what we’re going to cover in the video below. You’re going to learn everything you need to know to improve your squatting technique so that you can squat more comfortably, lift heavier weights, and reduce your risk of injury.
Even experienced lifters who have been going to the gym for years can still make some of these common squat technique mistakes.
Watch the video below to find out the RIGHT and WRONG way to perform the barbell squat…
Click Here To Watch The Full Video On YouTube.
Fixing exercise mistakes and adapting to a new technique isn’t going to happen instantly in just one workout. So be patient, take your time, and focus learning proper squatting form over the course of several squat workouts. But once you do master proper squat form you will notice better overall muscle & strength gains in the gym!
NOTE:
If you would like more info about proper squatting technique, I recommend that you check out my How To Squat Blog Post. This covers several tutorial videos that dive into different aspects of squatting.
3 Comments
leehayward
If you would like for me to do a video technique critique and break down your lifting form for an exercise, just e-mail me a video of yourself performing the exercise to lee [at] leehayward.com
Who knows, I may feature you in an upcoming video like this one!
Matt
Thanks so much Lee. This feels to me like it’s very different from the starting strength program from Mark Rippetoe, one of the most popular strength books with anatomical breakdown out at the moment. Specifically, the hip drive is highlighted as correct, the head is down, and the elbows are driving up to put tension on the shelf the back creates. I’ve read the book multiple times and it makes sense. I’ve gained over 150lbs on my squat using the Starting Strength method AND my back sometimes hurts every now again. However, this video also makes sense and seems to alleviate potential lumbar damage.
How do we make wise choices concerning this, especially as conflicting information is coming from two gentlemen I both respect very much?
leehayward,
leehayward
Matt,
The squat technique I’m covering here is a “high bar” squat. Mark is most likely referring to a “low bar” squat in his book. Most powerlifters prefer the low bar squat. There are several differences in technique between the 2 variations. But bottom line, try them both and use the one you feel works the best for you and your training situation. And you may even find that you like a hybrid of the 2 variations. It ultimately comes down to some trial and error on your part and figuring out what works best for you.