When you squat deeply, you not only train the muscles of the legs, you involve the entire physique; from your head to your toes. You challenge your balance, stability, neurological system, hormonal system, central nervous system (CNS), and whole host of other portions of the body.
"So where is the controversy", you may well ask. Generally it all stems from the recommended depth that constitutes a full squat. Some "experts" will tell you that squatting to, or past, parallel is dangerous to the knee joint and compromises joint stability, possibly increasing the likelihood of laxity or "looseness" in the joint. I don't buy it. Why aren't seats on airplanes built so that we don't have to squat so deeply if that is the case?
Here's a quote from a recognized leader in the field of sports performance and study, Angel Spassov:
"In a full Squat (parallel), the soft muscles of the legs slow the speed of the bar down, and help the joints recover. In the half Squat (partial) you have to stop for a very short time when the bar is going down - and at the same time, shift the bar in the upward direction. That moment is very sharp stop; it's like a knife, especially over the knee joints. So the danger of injury during the half Squat is much greater than during the full Squat.”
Research and years of "real world" experience can back that one up. But only if you're squatting correctly. So what does a correct squat look like? I'm glad you asked.
The following sets of pictures will demonstrate what constitutes a good and bad squat. If your knees hurt from squatting, check to see how your own squat form measures up to these examples.
This is a side view of what a poor squat looks like. Notice that my chin is not parallel to the ground. Notice also the position of my shins in relation to my body. I am rolling forward onto my toes, creating a ton of "sheer force" on my knees. This hurts.
This is another side view of a "half squat." A little better technique, just not enough depth. My chin is parallel, but I'm still on my toes. This is still hard on the knees.
This is what a full squat should look like. Notice the angle of my shins with respect to my body position. My chin is parallel to the ground, my shins are roughly perpendicular, my hips and thighs are at a near 90 degree angle and my back is flat. This is a safe, effective and very positive way to squat, use a ton of muscle and BURN FAT!
If you have any questions or want a deeper explanation of squatting technique simply e-mail me at MajorPayne143@gmail.com and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Lord bless,
Steve
