Am I Squatting Correctly?

Question

I use a sofa 1 foot above the ground since I am not that good at squatting yet. I don't sit on the sofa, but I do feel it under me. Also, I'm mainly concerned because I only feel pressure on my shins when squatting. Am I doing it correctly?

Answer 1

That sounds about right. The problem most have with squats is they don't go down far enough and end up doing only whats' considered a half squat. That loads the ACL tendon and will not work. You must go down past the plane of the quads being level with the knee. The trick is to think of holding something on your shoulders and sitting down in a chair. You'll need to push your butt out as a first move just before lowering with the weight. Done correctly the ACL loads then unloads and thus stays in its supporting role. Be careful how you space you feet relative to shoulder width and point you toes just slightly outward for good support. It's a powerful overall body movement and done correctly will show results rather fast...Don't overload the weight, start with something you know you can handle and work the correct form. Same speed up as down...don't rush it...you'll do OK with it.

Answer 2

put your hand on the back of the sofa or  chair and squat.  you should feel your thighs too

Answer 3

hey the funny think bout squats is you get a real workout even without weights. Stop that couch measurements, your back should always be straight and don't round it. Head and eyes looking forward. Thighs parallel to floor and if you want better do a whole squat where u go all the way down. Try it without weiights to build your form. As for the shins, you probably go up on your forefront n toes when doing squats and picking up your well do that. I suggest putting a 1 inch block or plates under your heel only so that your feet are on a angle. This will keep you good and take your time with squats and keep your feet planted and don't rock forward it will cause your shins to workout from trying to retain stability. Also try doing squats with your arms out in front of u and also up over your head (its tough). You can also use dumbbells and hold them up in front of your chest like when your just done a curl and hold them there and do squats. Let me know how everything works out. One site u can use for further knowledge is below.