I just find squats hard. Is it something in my technique, or am I just weak?

https://youtu.be/crM1e32LpZA

I have my heels raised slightly using some plates because I feel I lack ankle mobility to get past parallel otherwise. This was also my last set, so my quads were burning here already. I maybe just don’t squat enough (+/- once a week and sometimes I do skip a few weeks) to actually improve.

I find squats quite scary, mostly because I seem to lack stability (see rep nr 2 - the raised heels already helped a lot with this, but obviously not 100% there).

  • tomkatt@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    3 months ago

    You have some butt wink at the bottom of the lift, sort of dipping and then bending forward and pushing your butt out as you push back up. Looks almost like you’re falling and catching yourself.

    Descend slower and work on getting the glutes engaged to prevent that, to want a more controlled motion. That form is gonna get you hurt as you get to heavier weights.

    Might help to start at the top. Valsalva maneuver, brace your core and clench your glutes while under the bar before you even lift off the rack.

    For the ankle mobility issue, start practicing holding a 3rd world squat without weights. Should get more flexible with time if you do that. Use a counter weight or hold the end of a table or something at first until you get comfortable with it. Start slow how you can, but work up to holding that position for 30-60 seconds and get comfortable sitting into it.