Squats, Squatters And More Squatting (part 1)

If someone tells you that they actually enjoy doing squats then they are either genetically gifted, a masochist or a dam right liar. Although the act of squatting is as natural to us as would be resting or having a dump, the actual movement of squatting low and then rising with an arched spine; while lifting a heavy weight which is crushing into our neck, is about as natural as most tits seen in Hollywood. This doesn't mean it is not an efficient exercise, but it certainly is an exercise you want to get and done with as soon as possible.

One of the greatest squatters of all time, the late Paul Anderson, named by most as 'Worlds Strongest Man" once said, "The best lift for strength is squats. I imagine I have done thousands and thousands of squats and I will tell you something - I hated every one! Anyone who says he likes squats, I don't understand. The belief that squats will hurt you will always be around because we want to find a reason not to do them. However squats are the mainstay to any weightlifting (and bodybuilding) routine."

Doing knee bends with a barbell across the back of the neck, aching chest and gasping for breath, may actually be pleasurable for those most suited being the mesomorph and endomorph mixes. If you as a normal guy would like to cut back on a bit of pain then try rolling up towels around the bar and perhaps don't dip quite so low and keep the bar parallel. This is a much more comfortable approach to the exercise and is a lot more suitable for those of you who are more likely to be doing this exercise...the skinny guys.

The more "let's say" naturally muscular guys don't tend to do the weight training thing or if they try it, well it will be short lived, but what the hell...they don't need to. Once again it's you skinny guys who have the real urge to gain in muscle and strength and then keep it up. Did you know that George Eiferman could carry out 150 consecutive squat reps? - and on one leg!

Now if we are going to take strength training seriously then our schedule must include squats or some form of knee bends. You may come across coaches that are against this form of exercise saying it could lead to hip/knee joint injuries and then there are some of the old boys who claim that their joint problems are a result of heavy squats, such as Grimik who still did squats in his 70's but subsequently required a hip replacement.

Over doing leg wrap while squatting heavy may have negative results on development and strengthening joints. The real purpose of using wraps is to protect but if you over do it, it can lead to weakening of the joints and connective tissues. A competing power lifter may indeed go big on wraps, but there is no doubt that you can lift more with them as well as preventing serious injury.

But for development purposes do not use them. Some people with relatively short leg bones (thus stronger leverage) may well be able to squat onto their haunches Asian style. It is a natural way to sit - to squat, but nature did not intend homo sapiens (that's us guys) to then try to arise with an extra double bodyweight or more, and unless supported, the spinal column and knee joints, especially if you make the mistake of relaxing in the low position, are put under immeasurable stress.

Anyone who can really go so low on squats or squat snatches and then get back up uninjured are most definitely in the minority as it just is not natural. Don't forget that we are talking about heavy squats and we will remain with the same exercise in part 2.

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