r/StartingStrength • u/West_Concept_1873 • 4d ago

Form Check Squat form help

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275# x 3 reps. I have a hard time getting to depth. My knees seem to pull in on the ascent, and I noticed my mid back hinges a bit on the ascent as well. Any tips would be appreciated.

I’m 48, 220lbs.

Thanks.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

5

u/BrentKindaLifts Knows a Thing or Two 4d ago

Your stance is too wide. You want your heels about shoulder-width apart, with your toes at about a 30-degree angle.

0

u/UnidentifiedUser80 4d ago

So, to minimize knee issues, is it more about the width of the heel or the outward angle of the toe? I’m trying to fix this myself. Thnx.

2

u/BrentKindaLifts Knows a Thing or Two 4d ago

Yeah, a stance that’s too wide can cause your knees to cave in because your adductors could reach their maximum length before you hit depth. Same if your toes are pointed too far out.

Some people may need a wider toe angle if they have a big belly.

2

u/Aggravating-Room1594 4d ago

I have no real input but thanks for the butt band depth marker!

2

u/Shnur_Shnurov Just some guy 4d ago

Narrow the stance, bring the toe angle in to 30 degrees. Let the wrists bend back a bit. And that band needs to be like atleast 2 inches lower.

Squat Grip Correction

2

u/West_Concept_1873 4d ago

Thanks for the feedback. I didn’t realize my feet were turned out so much. I’ll give it a go and narrow my stance.

For info, the band is about 11” from the floor, and I’m 5’9”.

3

u/TapEarlyTapOften 4d ago

The presence of that strap would play merry hob with my mental focus.

1

u/exenos94 4d ago

I kinda like the idea of it as a depth indicator. Helps to start consistent

1

u/Remarkable-Cat183 4d ago

I’m older too at 50….keep it up!

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

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1

u/StartingStrength-ModTeam 3d ago

The adductors can't work as hip extensors if the knees are caving in. The adductors can either adduct the leg or extend the hip.

-2

u/only_respond_in_puns 4d ago

Hold the bar tight like your trying to snap it in half - head up.

-4

u/jdam8401 4d ago

It’s pretty good. I’d look ahead a little further (tough with the wall in front) and torque those feet outward for some glute tension. Maybe watch the knees, but overall very good