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Squatting is hardcore

These type of videos crack me up. (apologies for some strong language in here)



Anyway the point - from Mark Young - is that heavy squatting can cause problems to the back. It reminded me of the point Matt made a while ago:

I see this differential in my toddler as well. Toddlers squat constantly, but it is all "mobility" work. The squats are done for the purposes of movement, not for the purposes of lifting a weight. If a toddler wants to lift a weight, they shift into a deadlift position.

It's probably been about a year since I've done weighted squats. At this point, I have no desire to go back to them. I am content training the deadlift as the main lift. I know squats have been utilized in weight programs for decades, but that doesn't mean that they are necessarily 100% healthy.

Mike Boyle raised some controversial points about squats last year:
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Comments

Chad said…
I have to say, my 19month old has the best deadlift form (and separate squat form) I have ever seen...and I didn't teach him a THING!
Can't wait to watch him run, sans shoes of course...
February 22, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Clint said…
If you actually take a close look at Mike Boyle's material, you'll note he still uses front squats with beginning lifters, still uses bodyweight squats as part of his warmups and still uses trap-bar deadlifts in strength programs. I.e. he still teaches squats.

That said, I'm inclined to agree that squats are more importat for mobility and that deadlifts are better as a strength exercise.
February 22, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Unknown said…
What about the leg press? Is the leg press as problematic as the squat (spinewise)?
February 23, 2010 at 2:21 AM
Marc said…
Squatts are a no no for me...I jump a lot of rope...that might be a no no for others. Body type and objectives weigh the heaviest on these issues in my opinion.

I liked the video ;-)

Marc
February 24, 2010 at 3:13 AM
L. Wu said…
I'm leaning towards agreeing with Gray Cook and Dan John (see his latest book) on this one, maintain the squat / do light goblet squats (KB/DB), train the deadlift.
March 2, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Chris said…
interesting - I've just ordered Dan John's book and one of his kb DVDs. Squats have always been an issue for me. I actually pulled something in my back a couple of weeks ago doing light goblet squats......
March 2, 2010 at 11:20 PM
Viagra Online said…
I don't mind about the strong language in the video, what matters most is the message that is going to convey so the readers get it better.
September 20, 2010 at 2:57 PM
generic viagra said…
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December 8, 2010 at 9:19 PM
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