When I squat my lower back rounds at the bottom, now I do high bar “ATG” squats. But, I have been working on my mobility and flexibility to help this. Recently I decided to squat to just below parallel until I am flexible enough to go all the way down. I am also going to get weightlifting shoes to help, as now I lift in wrestling shoes. But, my question is: is there anyway to tell if the rounding of the lower back is bad for you or not? I mean, some olympic lifters lower backs round and they dont have a problem, but I know for most it will be detrimental in the long run.
this is simple. Does your back hurt when you “buttwink”, if so, stop. If not carry on. Stop majoring in the minors. That’s this guys opinion anyways. good luck.
Doesn’t directly answer your question but worth a watch if you haven’t seen it. There’s a few PRs, then the coaching. They know a thing or two about ATG squatting.
Focus on the whole “don’t spill the bucket” idea and you should be fine.
Aight well so many people want to do these high bar ATG’s squats and some people just don’t have the body for it. Mix it up man.
Hey, I’m a collegiate power lifter, but a couple months ago I made the decision to start the shift to squatting ATG. The following advice is what I experienced and garnered from my transition to full range of motion squats. The “butt wink” you’re experiencing isn’t bad for you in that it won’t cause you back injury or hurt you (although you may very well tax your lower back muscles much more in a squat session).
It will however take away from how much weight you can lift. When your butt winks it in essence lessens the tension in your muscles to allow you to reach depth. Some tips you can leave or take with you to help you get to depth are as follows.
First, if you’re leading your squat at the hips it will be VERY challenging to squat ATG, break at the knees first. The follow video is an excellent example of how to squat to depth with much more ease. How To Squat With Perfect Form - YouTube
Secondly, weightlifting shoes will help tremendously but don’t forget to train your mobility once you buy them. Until your shoes come in try to spend at least 30-45 seconds at the bottom of your squat with just the bar or no weight at all. Focus on keeping your butt out and upright posture.
This should be very challenging, but this valuable time spent at the bottom of the squat will help open up your hip flexors as they are likely VERY tight.
Good luck and happy squatting.