Starting Bar Height

[wc33]

Hi Coach,

This may seem silly but I have a question about starting bar height. Usually when I squat I start with the bar racked at about my solar plexus (starting in almost a quarter squat position) but after seeing some powerlifting videos I decided to try with a higher position today.

I started one notch higher on the power rack with the bar just below my collarbone. I noticed I was able to keep my lumbar extended much easier after unracking but I had trouble keeping my upper back as tight. I also felt uneasy racking/unracking the weight.

My question is which position do you think would better to start with?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Somewhere between those two seems about right to me, unless you have equipment problems that need solving.