Squat Form

[homerj742]

I'm currently doing Madcow's 5x5:
http://www.geocities.com/elitemadcow...Linear_5x5.htm

"Olympic Style Squats"

Week 6, at the gym today, one of the morning regulars comes up to me and says that my legs are too far apart (a bit more than shoulder width), and that I shouldn't be going past parallel or I risk blowing my knees out. Also, I should point my head up (look upwards).

Just note, he's a nice guy and seems genuine in his attempt to help me. But from what I've read, the whole going below parallel "scare" is just an old wive's tale. Not sure about how far apart my legs should be (shoulder width, are a fraction wider, or about my head positioning I just stare towards the floor but keep my neck straight).

I don't want to start an argument with the guy, but I think it would help to bring in some extra documentation on how I'm doing squats, verses what he told me. So I can show him some information from reputable resources.

PS- I look like a noob at the gym, I'm 5''10 172lbs and have very long limbs, making me look like I'm skinnier than I really am.

PPS_ Thanks in advance, this really is a great forum.

[Ross86]

Your stance is fine. It really comes down to what is comfortable to you. Depending on the width of your stance, you might not be doing Olympic squats any more. Squatting above parallel is hard on the knees. The neck should be in a neutral position.

If you want to find some more concrete evidence, then search for squat instructions from reputable strength coaches. There is loads of stuff if you google it.

[homerj742]

Thank you, I found some good stuff in Madcow's TOC, and I think I'll pull up some Rippetoe stuff aswell.

I find I can go past parallel with a slightly wider stance (heck the wider the better for me! haha).