Easier to learn since I was only front squatting prior. Also high bar is easier on mobility. Also because coach programs high bar
Don’t really agree with the first two statements but this I won’t argue with.
Why? Low bar requires greater shoulder/thoracic mobility to grip the bar lower, and the high bar squat Is more vertical and more stress is placed on the quads (like a front squat) vs low bar.
High bar does use the quads more and is indeed more upright. But if the goal is to move more weight then you are missing out on using the big muscles in you posterior chain. I’m nearly 30 years older than you and I am guessing more beat up (too many motorbike accidents), and likely less flexible. I don’t buy all the mobility bull shit. Unless you have had a serious injury there’s no way you should have any issues with any kind on mobility at your age.
As I said to you before, in my opinion the reason you have a problem with squats is that you just have practised enough. I would reduce the weight and work on form and greasing the grove until you find what works. I would also consider trying some other bar positions and see what works. But this will take time, it won’t fix it overnight.
As I said I’m not going to question your coach and you shouldn’t either, but if you are having trouble with the lift, discuss it with him and agree a strategy to improve it.
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Never did any sports as a kid, I was chubby and just played video games and read books. Staying active throughout your childhood is crucial to mobility development imo. Also since I never back squatted before starting with my coach since high bar is easier to learn that’s another reason. Also, It isnt all the time that one can squat more with low bar. My coach squatted
300kg last week and he squats high bar. He cant grip the bar using low bar without shoulder pain. But yeah considering how weak my high bar is (barely above front squat) perhaps your right and I could squat more low bar. I wouldnt have a clue how to squat low bar at this point so better to master high bar first
Just chewing the fat with you Duke not saying what’s right and wrong. As I said just listen to the coach, if he thinks high bar is easier for you then stick with it. Remember low bar doesn’t have to mean really low it can just mean a little under the traps.
I am not sure that high bar is necessarily easier to learn. Having a more upright back angle tends to force the knees further forward when you squat which can make balance more difficult.
Anyway I’m just rambling now. Just keep working at it and it will come. You are doing very well and improving week to week. You have years to get better and stronger so don’t rush it.
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I dont know his reasoning for it (he just said its easier) but my thoughts were the front squat is very upright obviously so it’s easier to carry over the movement pattern to high bar
Yeah it’s very frustrating but itl improve. There was a time when I was this frustrated at my deadlift and now I’m very happy with my deadlift technique! It took a while though. Just have to keep practicing and learning and il get it to a good technique standard
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Me neither.
I’ll be honest, I stopped buying into high vs low bar a long time ago. They’re both just squats, and there’s a whole heap of places you can sit the bar. Same as there’s a ton of different widths and angles you can set your feet.
There isn’t one magic combination that’s easier on mobility. There generally will be one combination that works better for one individual, but the execution of the squat will broadly be identical in respect of bracing and curs. Your lats still need to be locked in, your abs need to be engaged as fuck, your pelvis needs to be stable and you need to open your taint.
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Amen to that
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Better angles of my back squat: which felt horrible as usual
Just did alot of technique and pause work today
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I’ll return later Duke. But you are sitting much back. Let the knee travel in front of the toes. Let it be a natural motion
I’m not sure why you’re saying this Mort. That’s a pretty decent squat. Needs to eliminate the head crank and stay tighter in the hole but I’m not seeing much at all that makes it seem like uncomfortable or in major need of fixing.
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Lol I saw his head too but only because that’s what I do. They looked ok Duke, keep practicing.
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Thanks guys. Il work on the head and looking straight ahead.
Easiest way to fix it is make a double chin by driving your head straight backwards.
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I like this. great lifts. of course there is always improvement to make but you will figure that out.
Looks fine from this angle. Just do some single leg work to even out the imbalance and you should be OK.
In my opinion, head/neck position is fine. Nobody injures their neck squatting unless the bar rolls onto it.
I think I agree with Duke, reaching back to squat with the bar low is Rough, and challenging to “mobility.” Many people struggle to get their arms back there. Dudes are always talking about sore elbows and shoulders connected with low bar position. Lots of people have invented special bars or equipment to take the reach-back out of squatting.
A problem with forcing the arms back is that the back over extends or over arches to make up for the lack of mobility in the shoulders. This makes it hard to use your lats and mid section to brace.
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@FlatsFarmer It has to have something to do with the straight bar and positioning. the SSB, Cambered (Spider bar) and front squats all feel good and I have no trouble. Back squats my hips and lower back doesn’t seem to like and they feel trash.
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