In Starting Strength, Rippetoe says that a big problem is uneven compression to the spine, but even compression to a conditioned intervertebral disc is safe. I don’t understand that, so could anyone explain it in simpler terms? Also, could you basically tell what I’m supposed to do towards my spine in squats to ensure safety? I think I might have left some stuff out from my reading that I didn’t understand.
Also, what exactly is round the back, and why is it bad?
I would say video yourself doing a squat (not a heavy squat) and people will tell you what your doing wrong.
For your spine, it should be straight. Thats about as simple as I can explain it.
Video yourself though. Seriously, everything is a lot easier if you post a video of what you think is correct squat form and people will be able to tell you if you are correct or not.
[quote]Gigaman.EXE wrote:
In Starting Strength, Rippetoe says that a big problem is uneven compression to the spine, but even compression to a conditioned intervertebral disc is safe. I don’t understand that, so could anyone explain it in simpler terms? Also, could you basically tell what I’m supposed to do towards my spine in squats to ensure safety? I think I might have left some stuff out from my reading that I didn’t understand.
Also, what exactly is round the back, and why is it bad?[/quote]
Rippetoe & Kilgore have an illustration of a rounded back on pg 36 of the 2nd ed. of Starting Strength. In case you don’t have a copy of the book handy, the book is refering to a flexion of the lower spine - the same as what occurs when you do a crunch. It’s bad because it places undue stress on your vertebral discs.
Unless you have an unusually body geometry, you should be fine so long as you follow all the directions laid out in Starting Strength. That book contains a truly exhaustive discussion of technique. Of course, if you want to be completely certain of your technique, upload a video.