We analyze whether we are breaking parallel with our squats. We think we are when we judge each other, but the post-hoc analysis is less clear.
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This video analysis (Quicktime, 8.6 MB; Vox, no download) was prompted by Nancy's and my (Bud) 1RM measurements at the beginning of this month. At that time, we realized we were not getting down far enough on squats. Most sources recommend getting to the point where a line drawn from your knee to your hip joint is parallel to the floor when you are at your lowest point. If you can get beyond parallel to a point where your hip is below your knee, that is even better.
Chris Dorr offered many helpful suggestions as did Ralfe Sean. What Nancy and I decided to do was to focus on doing squats 2 to 3 times per week, with hip loosening before hand. We've been on that regimen for a month.
In the video analysis, you see us on our last of four squat sets. The pictures in the strip at left show us when we each determined that the other had reached beyond parallel. I superimposed a grid to facilitate the judgment after the fact. One thing that is apparent in looking at the grid is that the camera perspective does not allow an easy after-the-fact assessment of how we did relative to parallel. The camera itself is off parallel in a way that makes it look like we are above parallel. Well, too bad for us. We're opening it up for general comment anyhow.
Additional Links
- Tom Venuto provides a nice article on the benefits of getting to parallel.
- Getting down in squats appears to be as much an issue of ankle flexibility as hip flexibility.
- Louie Simmons provides an interesting analysis of how you should activate your muscles during the squat.
