Falcon63 Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Yes, I know I've asked this before, but this time I actually got a question. For those of you who are familiar with the gym, do you get stronger by squatting parallel or "a$$ to the grass"? I personally do "a$$ to the grass" just to make sure I get low enough, but I've seen many bodybuilder sites say different things. Trying to bulk up my squat numbers for college, and not sure which one helps the quickest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visajets Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Yes 12ounces at a time........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachEY Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 My understanding is that going to parallel is more about saving the knees than anything else. The longer range of motion is better for gains, but maybe not long term as your knees may break down faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon63 Posted August 7, 2010 Author Share Posted August 7, 2010 My understanding is that going to parallel is more about saving the knees than anything else. The longer range of motion is better for gains, but maybe not long term as your knees may break down faster. Well that's good to know, considering I had knee surgery in October! I've tried going parallel and didn't really notice a huge difference, considering I was using low weights. I've heard that it's easier to only go parallel, since you kind of get "stuck" when you go a$$ to the grass. I'm going to test them both out today and see if heavier weights bother my knee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachEY Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Well that's good to know, considering I had knee surgery in October! I've tried going parallel and didn't really notice a huge difference, considering I was using low weights. I've heard that it's easier to only go parallel, since you kind of get "stuck" when you go a$$ to the grass. I'm going to test them both out today and see if heavier weights bother my knee. When I was first taught the squat, I was shown box squats. You take one of those platforms they have at the gym, and sit it right behind you. Squat till your a$$ touches it, and up. It's just passed parallel. I do 'a$$ to grass' for front squats though. If you don't do those, give them a shot. They're fun. You've gotta drop the weight though. I'm not doing any legs right now with the program I'm on. It's lazy, but I'm focusing on a more vanity based program (lots of chest, arms, shoulders, abs)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbro22 Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Other than running I'll never workout my legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Other than running I'll never workout my legs. Why? EY pretty much covered it...parallel is a knee saver while a$$ to grass is for men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicious89x Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 I have bad knees and my knees could only take maybe 4 training sessions of to the ground squads before needing a week or two off. Because of that I felt I wasn't making the gains I wanted and at the same time bad knees impacted other exercises (deadlifts, bbell mil press, bent row, etc.) anything that requires standing would take a hit for me. I went to parallel and while easier, I was able to continue to train hard and make gains and continue to work on my other exercises. It's all about knowing your body. Lift hard and lift smart. My Recommendation is to try to the ground and if you feel the effects like I did then consider going parallel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIGHT STALKER Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Screw weight training... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Banner Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Yes, I know I've asked this before, but this time I actually got a question. For those of you who are familiar with the gym, do you get stronger by squatting parallel or "a$$ to the grass"? I personally do "a$$ to the grass" just to make sure I get low enough, but I've seen many bodybuilder sites say different things. Trying to bulk up my squat numbers for college, and not sure which one helps the quickest. Going lower than parallel is hard on your knees and I would avoid it for that reason. When you go lower than parallel you start hitting different muscles. Its a more complete workout then just going parallel in terms of the leg muscles being used. If for some strange reason you are only allowed to do one leg exercise than keep doing squats going all the way down. But if you are allowed to do a a full range of leg exercises you can hit those other muscles in ways that aren't as hard on your knees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dude Love Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Yes, I know I've asked this before, but this time I actually got a question. For those of you who are familiar with the gym, do you get stronger by squatting parallel or "a$$ to the grass"? I personally do "a$$ to the grass" just to make sure I get low enough, but I've seen many bodybuilder sites say different things. Trying to bulk up my squat numbers for college, and not sure which one helps the quickest. Can you give a power shot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon63 Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dude Love Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. #1 Lifting rule : NEVER sacrifice form for weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 When I was first taught the squat, I was shown box squats. You take one of those platforms they have at the gym, and sit it right behind you. Squat till your a$$ touches it, and up. It's just passed parallel. I do 'a$$ to grass' for front squats though. If you don't do those, give them a shot. They're fun. You've gotta drop the weight though. I'm not doing any legs right now with the program I'm on. It's lazy, but I'm focusing on a more vanity based program (lots of chest, arms, shoulders, abs)... My new routine includes front squats and Bulgarian squats (one foot back on a bench) once a week. My weights are down, but my a$$ and legs are certainly getting a workout. Every time I sit down on Tuesday and Wednesday I look at the chair expecting to see a bed of nails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. If your squatting any considerable without wrapping your knees your a tard with no idea what your doing. So step away from the weight room and join a body pump class. Save your knees so you can play with your children one day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 My new routine includes front squats and Bulgarian squats (one foot back on a bench) once a week. My weights are down, but my a$$ and legs are certainly getting a workout. Every time I sit down on Tuesday and Wednesday I look at the chair expecting to see a bed of nails. Bulgarian squats? holy crap. I watched a kid the other day doing them. Amazing. At my best I was squatting 700 plus on a mono-lift, but the dexterity and coordination to do those are amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Voice of Reason Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. You're playing with fire on both your knees and back. Once you injure either badly (which I assure you will happen if you continue to lift weights with so much strain on your back and knees) it will never be the same. You're a young guy, do you really want to spend years in Physical therapy, wearing braces on your knees and worrying about your back going out at any time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadBacker Prime Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Only when I'm moving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachEY Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 My new routine includes front squats and Bulgarian squats (one foot back on a bench) once a week. My weights are down, but my a$$ and legs are certainly getting a workout. Every time I sit down on Tuesday and Wednesday I look at the chair expecting to see a bed of nails. meant to give you positive rep there... sorry. They're very close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Bulgarian squats? holy crap. I watched a kid the other day doing them. Amazing. At my best I was squatting 700 plus on a mono-lift, but the dexterity and coordination to do those are amazing. 700?! Damn. I've never squatted anywhere near that. I always take it a little easy on my back and I'm not that big a guy. I don't use much weight on the Bulgarians at all. Right now I'm using dumbells or just the bar. Just think of them like modified lunges. Supposedly it helps your core because balance is a major issue. I've noticed that just a small change in depth makes a huge difference. One week I did them 1-3" shallower than normal and it was like I didn't even do them. Next week I went a little deeper and was crushed. Geez EY! I was going to say! I didn't go that light! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 When I was first taught the squat, I was shown box squats. You take one of those platforms they have at the gym, and sit it right behind you. Squat till your a$ touches it, and up. It's just passed parallel. I do 'a$ to grass' for front squats though. If you don't do those, give them a shot. They're fun. You've gotta drop the weight though. I'm not doing any legs right now with the program I'm on. It's lazy, but I'm focusing on a more vanity based program (lots of chest, arms, shoulders, abs)... Why? EY pretty much covered it...parallel is a knee saver while a$ to grass is for men. Max tried to implement a mod "fitness regimen" that included a$$ to penis squats or face a pay cut. So now two of us make less than last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightCash Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Squatted a$$ to grass in hs football... Started maxing out at about 550... 3 years later my knees are so bad I can't squat 225... SO worth it, thanks coach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon63 Posted August 9, 2010 Author Share Posted August 9, 2010 You're playing with fire on both your knees and back. Once you injure either badly (which I assure you will happen if you continue to lift weights with so much strain on your back and knees) it will never be the same. You're a young guy, do you really want to spend years in Physical therapy, wearing braces on your knees and worrying about your back going out at any time? No, if I do horrible form, I stop, all I was saying is that it didn't hurt and that it's weird that it doesn't hurt because it's supposed to. But yeah, today's workout involved a 3-rep max, and I felt good today, so I tried 315 again and hit it with ease with perfect form. It's not that heavy, I know, but I had knee surgery in October, so I'm still working my way back up. I'll try and get 350 next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicious89x Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 No, if I do horrible form, I stop, all I was saying is that it didn't hurt and that it's weird that it doesn't hurt because it's supposed to. But yeah, today's workout involved a 3-rep max, and I felt good today, so I tried 315 again and hit it with ease with perfect form. It's not that heavy, I know, but I had knee surgery in October, so I'm still working my way back up. I'll try and get 350 next week. 315-350 is plenty depending on your bodyweight/build IMO. I guess I just tell myself not to put so much stock into the #. If I know I'm working out as hard as I can and doing it right it's an accomplishment. Everybody has exercises that they excel at and are weaker in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Well, I couldn't really test both today because the regular power rack was taken, so I had to use the small a$$ one where you can only back up so far. Basically, I had no room to squat at all. However, I tried 315 once and hit it a lot easier than I thought, however, it's still heavy on my knees, so I lifted it with my back. Horrible form, I know, but it doesn't hurt my back, just as doing deadlifts that way don't seem to hurt either. No, if I do horrible form, I stop, all I was saying is that it didn't hurt and that it's weird that it doesn't hurt because it's supposed to. But yeah, today's workout involved a 3-rep max, and I felt good today, so I tried 315 again and hit it with ease with perfect form. It's not that heavy, I know, but I had knee surgery in October, so I'm still working my way back up. I'll try and get 350 next week. You're contradicting yourself. I wouldn't push the weight too quick if I were you. You just got over knee surgery. Take your time, it's not a contest or a race. Be VERY careful of your back. If you think the knee is bad, you don't want to deal with a bad back. Back surgery generally is not as successful as knee surgery. You're young and you feel like superman, but that won't last forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoachTsurfing Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 wow, those bulgarian ones sound hard. thanks for the tip. I don't do a lot of legs because i run so much. i hit my calves and that is about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon63 Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 315-350 is plenty depending on your bodyweight/build IMO. I guess I just tell myself not to put so much stock into the #. If I know I'm working out as hard as I can and doing it right it's an accomplishment. Everybody has exercises that they excel at and are weaker in. Well, to me, I care more about reps, but I know a lot of coaches just take a look at raw max numbers, so I gotta work on those too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.