Not recruiting my hams in the squat...

[DKU]

When I began free-weight squatting about 8 months ago, only my hamstrings would be sore the next day. Something in my form has changed over that time so that now I only get sore in my quads the next day.

Ideally I'd like to be hitting both my quads and hams when I squat - Is there something I can change with my form to accomplish this?

It would probably be best if I had a video, but I don't have the equipment.

[jojo2002]

when squatting are you pushing with the heel of your foot? how far down are you going? try doing smith machine one week and go back to free-weights next.

[DKU]

I try to remember pushing from the heel, but usually when I'm out of gas or struggling I go forward a bit and drive from my toes. I think it's a natural reaction for me because I jump from the front of my foot.

I get pretty low - I think parallel. I used to train with a guy that was pretty strict about squatting deep.

What's the reason for doing the smith machine for a week?

[ironaddict69]

Smith machine squats rock, especially if the smith you use is the type witht he bars that are straight up and down, not slanted.

[DKU]

but why are Smith machines preferable to regular squats in this instance?

[Lemonada8]

I dont know but i konw i have te same problem but my hammies never hurt, only my quads burn, and i have correct form, so i am thinking that it might be that your hammies are getting stronger. because if you look at it from a kenetic point of view, you are extending your leg mostly and the major muscle for that is the quads. Yes you are flexing your hips and use some hip flexors, etc but primarly it is the extension of the knee, which is the quads

[jojo2002]

smith machine helps with your form.. when people go heavier they tend to loose thier form therefore not hitting the hammies as much.. if your serious about hammies do stiff leg dead lifts

[Lemonada8]

^^ agreed ^^

[DKU]

Okay, I understand - thanks for the tip.