ass to heels squats

[Casper]

ok, i've always done them this way but i keep reading about not going past thighs parallel to floor, or 90 degree angle at back of knee. what gives, i just want huge legs, any advice?
peace

[bonebreaker]

Many people "sit on their heels" when they do deep squats, and this indeed will give you excellent growth. However, along with big quads you'll more than likely, over the long haul, wind up with bum knees. Going just a wee bit beyound parallel with a one or two second pause will make you grow, plus it'll save your knees. IMO, you're asking for trouble going too deep. BB

[john123]

I've heard the exact opposite on other boards that going to parallel or above is bad for your knees and going deep is the best way to go.

Anyone eles have opinions on this?

[candle25]

From my own experiance my knees hurt after doing deep squats for a week. I was going heavy and did it for 2 weeks before stoping. IMO they are bad.

[GearTripper]

IMO, i luv Deep Squats! soo much that my knees are suffering because of it. my OD (sports doctor) is against me doing any form of squats now without these straps that sit below the knee to help support my Patella (spelling?). i would say go deep enough to where you feel confortable. when you get older you may have to accept that fact that squats aren't going to be in your routine anymore. on to the Leg Press and such. good luck.

[The_Jarhead]

I loved them but I can't do them any more. My knees can't take it. I now go just shy of parrallel. any deep and my knee not only hurts, but has given out.

[Cogar]

The way the geometry works, the greatest strain is on your knees when your thighs are parallel to the ground. It is then that they have to carry the greatest twisting moment (an engineering term--I do not know the correct medical term). Going through that point for an instant on the way up or down should be easier on the knees that stopping and reversing direction right at that point. I do deep squats and have noticed fewer knee problems since changing over to deep squats.

For you who have problems with your knees, you should consider taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin every day. Taking them should help repair your joints over time, although they may not make it all the way back to 100%, depending on the problem.

[JACKAL]

Originally posted by Cogar
For you who have problems with your knees, you should consider taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin every day. Taking them should help repair your joints over time, although they may not make it all the way back to 100%, depending on the problem.

ive been experiencing a pain in my elbow...its not the joint i dont believe, i think its the tendons....would this stuff you recommend help that? should i see a trainer or doctor?

[goliath]

No - ass to grass squats are bad for the same reason that full ROM triceps cable presses are bad. ESPECIALLY IN CHEMICALY ENHANCED ATHLETES! Tendon grows slower than muscle tissue. So juicing predisposes an athlete to tendon injury anyhow. When you pile on the 45's and start squatting ass to grass, those tendons that insert past the knee are under tremendous pressure and they are stretched close to max. They can snap like a rubber band if you aren’t careful. The tendon problem is only one factor. The other is that when you squat all the way down, your lower back rounds out, taking you out of the neutral spine position and increasing your chances of an L5/S1 herniation. So going deep is essentially like a game of Russian roulette. You may come out feeling like more of a man...you may come out on a stretcher.

[Mr. Shoulders]

I've been training for over 20 years and I used to go as deep as possible on my squats...Now I am older and wiser...90o is deep enough...Go heavy on leg extensions and your legs will develop just fine...

[blm]

Originally posted by goliath
The other is that when you squat all the way down, your lower back rounds out, taking you out of the neutral spine position and increasing your chances of an L5/S1 herniation.

Well said, I know you are secretly working towards a Chiro degree.

[hlcn8]

place two 5 lb plates on the floor, just more than shoulder width apart, and place your heels on them with your toes extending to the floor, slightly pointed outward. start at a slightly lower weight until you get used to this, but doing so puts much more of the stress on the quads and off the glutes, this has helped me fill out my upper legs, especially the outer sweep.

[goliath]

Originally posted by blm
Well said, I know you are secretly working towards a Chiro degree.

;) SSShhhh...don't tell anyone! How are your studies going my man!?

[blm]

Originally posted by goliath
;) SSShhhh...don't tell anyone! How are your studies going my man!?

Tough!

[goliath]

Originally posted by blm
Tough!

don't you just shake a stick w/ a shrunken head on it and dance around a campfire? sounds like an easy 'A' to me...

:D ;)