[quote]pmvfunds wrote:
HOV wrote:
This video transformed my squat. I could not go below parallel before, now I can.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6529481301858251744&q=dan+john+squatting&hl=en
wow, a lot of info in there… can you tell me what part of it helped you the most?
[/quote]
I wish I would have found that video years ago. Watch it all, def worth it. Now I have to watch all the other fitcasts!
[quote]pmvfunds wrote:
HOV wrote:
This video transformed my squat. I could not go below parallel before, now I can.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6529481301858251744&q=dan+john+squatting&hl=en
wow, a lot of info in there… can you tell me what part of it helped you the most?
[/quote]
The “goblet (goblin?) squats” helped me the most. After doing that about 3 times for just a few minutes, I found my squat form.
It was SO HARD for me to squat before. It put a lot of strain on my lower back, even moreso than deadlifting - for exactly the same reason the OP stated: tailbone curling. I had to make my stance ridiculously wide to do the movement.
My squats would go to parallel, but I’d be so hunched over that it was like a really low good morning, and I often got stuck in the hole. My form looked a lot like the guy in the video whom Dan John took aside and stood behind to help him relax into the squat position.
Now, I go a little below parallel and the stretch reflex helps me accelerate out of the hole much easier. I’m rebuilding my poundage now, and it feels very strong. No more back problems.
“Proud chest, buddha belly”. Awesome.
[quote]HOV wrote:
This video transformed my squat. I could not go below parallel before, now I can.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6529481301858251744&q=dan+john+squatting&hl=en
[/quote]
Damn, beat me to it.
Seriously though, that video also changed the way I look at and teach squatting. I haven’t met a person yet who I couldn’t get into a “rock bottom” squat position using those exercises. They can’t always replicate the position immediately, but it at least shows them that their problem isn’t necessarily their flexibility.
I think that the point about the body being “slung between the legs, and not over the legs” was the most useful piece of advice (for me anyway) in regards to squatting. I was able to squat ATG before seeing this video, but my form and understanding of how to squat correctly was greatly improved.
Good training,
Sentoguy
[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
HOV wrote:
This video transformed my squat. I could not go below parallel before, now I can.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6529481301858251744&q=dan+john+squatting&hl=en
Damn, beat me to it.
Seriously though, that video also changed the way I look at and teach squatting. I haven’t met a person yet who I couldn’t get into a “rock bottom” squat position using those exercises. They can’t always replicate the position immediately, but it at least shows them that their problem isn’t necessarily their flexibility.
I think that the point about the body being “slung between the legs, and not over the legs” was the most useful piece of advice (for me anyway) in regards to squatting. I was able to squat ATG before seeing this video, but my form and understanding of how to squat correctly was greatly improved.
Good training,
Sentoguy[/quote]
yes, this body dropping between the legs concept is so simple and maybe even a bit obvious but it is amazing what it does when you really focus about doing it… suddenly my ass is on calves and then if i do the goblet / chest out thing…
my ass is on my calves AND my posture ain’t half bad either. And you’re right, flexibility is much less of an issue than I realized… it is a factor but it doesnt really stand in the way of making progress.
Man, I’ve been squatting for 30 yrs and yet here I am finally learning how to squat at age 46… well better late than never I guess. Who knows maybe I will be able to do a full snatch after all!
Anyway, two more big thumbs up to techniques in this video!