[earthdog]

What is the proper/safe squat depth? I was taught to go all the way down, but most of the guys I see squatting in the gym barely go 1/3 of the way down. Is there a danger to one's knees or back by going too low? That is, assuming you are already injury-free.

[ItsHectic]

Squat Analysis

The primary danger to the knee occurs when the tissues of the calf and thigh press together altering the center of rotation back to the contact area creating a dislocation effect. The danger of knee injury in this situation may be prevented if either of the following factor are present:

* center of gravity of the body system is keep forward of the altered center of rotation
* muscles of the thigh are strong enough to prevent the body from resting or bouncing on the calves.

[spatch]

What is your goal? If you are a powerlifter, you must go to parallel.

However, if you are going to quad size and BBing, I would say go about 90% to parallel. This will keep the tension on the quads. I dont remember where it was, but I heard Markus Ruhl is a big fan of quarter squats. Im sure he goes a lot closer to parallel most of the time, but that proves that you can squat effectively w/o always going to parallel.

[earthdog]

Originally Posted by ItsHectic

Squat Analysis

Thanks for that link, ItsHectic. It's pretty detailed, but I don't quite understand it. I would still like to get Dr. John's opinion.

[wrkn4bigrmusles]

i'd assume it varies.. when im just lifting i go parallel... when im doing my powerlifting routine i go from parallel to past parallel... high box or low box squats

[jminis]

If you want to hit glutes as well go a$$ to the grass. If you have knee issues don't do this. Going to 90 is a safe bet.

[Australian made]

i think a lot of guys in the gym go for maximum weight not realising that squatting 3-4 inches won't do bugger all, but they think it looks good. Parallel should yield reuslts....and dont look down!

[Gumbo]

You should base it on what feels natural for your body. For myself, I like going "ass to grass"....I can feel it more in my quads and glutes. Not sure if anyone else has this issue, but when I stop short of parallel, my knees actually hurt more.

I've seen tall lanky guys try to go "ass to grass", but their body simply won't allow them to do so. Bottom line is to see what works best for you.

Gumbo