squats

**MikedaMan57** · 05-14-2003, 07:51 AM

full squats BELOW PARRALEL and HEAVY.... thoughts... ????

i always thought it was unsafe to go below parallel but i just read an article in some magazine... sorry i forget which one... that supported squatting as low as possible to a full squat...heels still on the ground of course

***BIG TEXAN*** · 05-14-2003, 08:56 AM

Yeah breaking parallel will increase your strength, or at least did for me in college. Of course I now have knee problems which I believe is from doing just that. I do know many that have done it and not have knee problems so....not sure on whether to advise doing them or not. I wouldn't go too heavy causing a tremendous strain on your knees. I'll bump ya though.

**Big Al** · 05-14-2003, 09:45 AM

I don't think there is a large difference between going to parallel or all the way down as far a size gains go, a consideration for possible risk and possible gain is needed, personnally if and when I squat I go low but controlled and no bouncing off the calfs.

**TheMudMan** · 05-15-2003, 11:10 AM

I think just below parallel is fine. Just make sure you come down slow and squeez and flex when you come back up.

**nmk85roll** · 05-16-2003, 04:45 PM

My back started to kill me when i went below parallel for a few weeks. I also can't do nearly as much weight as if i stay at parallel. And personally, the explosiveness above parallel is more important to me.