Tom Campitelli SSC: Eye Gaze Direction in the Squat

[Mark Rippetoe]

Looking Down While You Squat

[Giri Kotte]

Given,

1) Proprioceptive sense alone should be adequate to sense and maintain the correct kinematic chain configuration
2) Any reference fixed point is adequate for the body to sense it's position relative to its surroundings

Is it possible to execute a proper SS squat without the reference point for the eyes to be anywhere other than downwards, on the ground? Say, can it be to the front?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I disagree with your premises. Proprioceptive sense alone usually results in a front-squat style back squat, and there is a definite hierarchy in the effectiveness of fixed reference points to provide proprioceptive feedback, closer being preferable to farther away.

[Chris Lippke]

There is a reason ballet dancers "spot" near the horizontal during pirouettes and not at the ceiling or floor (or just closing their eyes).

[marcf]

There is a reason ballet dancers "spot" near the horizontal during pirouettes and not at the ceiling or floor (or just closing their eyes).

Ballet dancers aren't squatting with loads on their backs heavy enough to change their center of mass.

[Bill Been]

There is a reason ballet dancers "spot" near the horizontal during pirouettes and not at the ceiling or floor (or just closing their eyes).

There sure is. And it ain't what you seem to be inferring it is.

[AndrewLewis]

When a ballet dancer bends over, where do they look?

Also, gymnasts look at the ground when they tumble for the same reason people should look at the ground when they squat. A relatively close, fix point of reference is essential.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Look at my FB page. Fun comments.

[Chris Lippke]

Ballet dancers aren't squatting with loads on their backs heavy enough to change their center of mass.

There sure is. And it ain't what you seem to be inferring it is.

When a ballet dancer bends over, where do they look?

Also, gymnasts look at the ground when they tumble for the same reason people should look at the ground when they squat. A relatively close, fix point of reference is essential.

Time out. You're reading the invisible text, "and thus, during a squat, one should also look at the horizontal."
I'm on Rip's side here. My point is that ballet dancers use a reference point AT ALL. I'm not implying that one should look at the horizontal for a squat. I'm arguing against this notion:

Given,

1) Proprioceptive sense alone should be adequate to sense and maintain the correct kinematic chain configuration

But I understand where the confusion came from.

Look at my FB page. Fun comments.

Be careful Rip. That guy might be an Air Force Academy graduate.
Do you usually go for the knees when you fight an upright squatter?

[AndrewLewis]

Sorry, Chris. I just got argumentative and didn't read properly. My bad.


"You're a dead man, Zach. I coach more people every year than will ever join your gym. After I kill you, I will teach them all how to squat correctly, and they'll be glad you're dead."
Rip, what the fuck, man? heh
You are the hero we deserve AND the one we need right now.