Wide Squat

[kman025]

I've been squatting very wide lately, like sumo style or something.

im not purposely doing this, i guess i just started it after seeing PL's do it, and subconciously started. since it feels comforatble i guess i stuck with it. The PLs of course are wearing suits and stuff and doing a lot of box squats.

im worried without a suit and the wide stance i will run into problems getting out of the hole. also ive heard of knee problems from this.

any opinions?

[Shaolinkiwi]

Originally Posted by kman025

I've been squatting very wide lately, like sumo style or something.

im not purposely doing this, i guess i just started it after seeing PL's do it, and subconciously started. since it feels comforatble i guess i stuck with it. The PLs of course are wearing suits and stuff and doing a lot of box squats.

im worried without a suit and the wide stance i will run into problems getting out of the hole. also ive heard of knee problems from this.

any opinions?

Knee problems are a concern on any heavy squats so I wouldn't worry too much about it unless your 300+ on your squats. I got sore knees when doing madcows as I was regularly above 300.

As for getting out of the hole without a suit, again wouldn't concern yourself too much unless your squatting serious weight. Start light and build up slowly you shouldn't have too many issues.

However open to anyone who say's otherwise.

[kman025]

Originally Posted by Shaolinkiwi

Knee problems are a concern on any heavy squats so I wouldn't worry too much about it unless your 300+ on your squats. I got sore knees when doing madcows as I was regularly above 300.

As for getting out of the hole without a suit, again wouldn't concern yourself too much unless your squatting serious weight. Start light and build up slowly you shouldn't have too many issues.

However open to anyone who say's otherwise.

im not too high in weight yet. 260x5x3 currently (probably maxing 300 or close to it).

maybe i'll just need to work my hams and glutes extra hard

[Shaolinkiwi]

I guess with anything new - start light see how it feels. If you like it slowly build it up, if you don't like it can it.

[kitarpyar]

Originally Posted by kman025

I've been squatting very wide lately, like sumo style or something.

im not purposely doing this, i guess i just started it after seeing PL's do it, and subconciously started. since it feels comforatble i guess i stuck with it. The PLs of course are wearing suits and stuff and doing a lot of box squats.

im worried without a suit and the wide stance i will run into problems getting out of the hole. also ive heard of knee problems from this.

any opinions?

I use a wide stance (again, I am squatting light - the max I have done is 275 x 5 and 285 x 2). No problems thus far. I actually find it easier to get out of the hole with a wide stance.

[BendtheBar]

Wide stance is all proper foot position. Incorrect foot position can stress the knees. Wide stance is also harder on the hips. I'm not a fan of wide stance unless you're using gear. My opinion is train with a comfortable stance at all times.

Remember that Louie Simmons and the boys are suing gear and AAS, and are squatting 900+. They're playing an entirely different ball game. I would focus on mastering a comfortable stance first.

[kman025]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Wide stance is all proper foot position. Incorrect foot position can stress the knees. Wide stance is also harder on the hips. I'm not a fan of wide stance unless you're using gear. My opinion is train with a comfortable stance at all times.

Remember that Louie Simmons and the boys are suing gear and AAS, and are squatting 900+. They're playing an entirely different ball game. I would focus on mastering a comfortable stance first.

this is the thing, the wide stance acutally feels most comfortable.

i may just move it in if this is what you think i should do.

[lefthookright]

I'm pretty sure that the most peoples sticking point in the squat is coming out of the hole. So probably no matter how your squatting you'll have the most trouble with the hole. So I wouldn't worry too much about that aspect.

[big valsalva]

I keep my heels about shoulder width apart. That way I am able to sit back into the hole. Get Rippetoe's book and do the squat stretch (elbows between your knees and hands together) this is proper foot placement for the squat. Doing squats this way will strengthen the glutes and hams (as well as the quads). BTB is right about Louie and others though. They're suited and hepped up on gear. Still you should be able to build up a very respectable natural squat with a comfortably wide stance. Nothing too dramatic, just give your ever expanding ass enough room to get down between your heels.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by kman025

this is the thing, the wide stance acutally feels most comfortable.

i may just move it in if this is what you think i should do.

How wide are you squatting? Are your feet on the outside of the squat rack like this?



Train whatever feels most comfortable.