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Thread: quick somewhat redundant newbie question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
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    Default quick somewhat redundant newbie question

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    I'm coming to the squat workshop next week, so I'll get my definitive answer there, I'm sure. But, based on a meddler's advice at my gym last night, I just have to ask this now.
    I am new to lifting and I'm turning 60 very soon. Using the squat rack last night at my gym, a man stopped me in the middle of my squat and said I was doing it all wrong. I go below parallel and also take a little (just a little) bounce at the bottom. I'm small and new at this and some would say I'm old .... so, I am squatting 60 lbs. (Don't you dare laugh.)
    He said I should stop at parallel and that I'd "break my back" by going all the way down deep on the squat. My SS book and Barbell Prescription book say otherwise.
    His final words to me were: "Take it from me....I'm 49 and I have a bad back."
    My final words to him: "I'm 60, I've given birth to 4 large babies, and I don't have a bad back."
    But, is he right?
    Is there some kind of special technique reserved for grey-haired lifters?
    PS....I've neither knee nor back problems.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    53,562

    Default

    You know more about this than he does. Thank him for his advice and continue to squat properly.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Joliet, IL
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    116

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RoLaberee View Post
    I'm coming to the squat workshop next week, so I'll get my definitive answer there, I'm sure. But, based on a meddler's advice at my gym last night, I just have to ask this now.
    I am new to lifting and I'm turning 60 very soon. Using the squat rack last night at my gym, a man stopped me in the middle of my squat and said I was doing it all wrong. I go below parallel and also take a little (just a little) bounce at the bottom. I'm small and new at this and some would say I'm old .... so, I am squatting 60 lbs. (Don't you dare laugh.)
    He said I should stop at parallel and that I'd "break my back" by going all the way down deep on the squat. My SS book and Barbell Prescription book say otherwise.
    His final words to me were: "Take it from me....I'm 49 and I have a bad back."
    My final words to him: "I'm 60, I've given birth to 4 large babies, and I don't have a bad back."
    But, is he right?
    Is there some kind of special technique reserved for grey-haired lifters?
    PS....I've neither knee nor back problems.
    My wife will turn 59 in October. She currently squats 190lbs; deadlifts 235lbs; benches 115lbs and can press 80lbs over her head. She started with a 65lb squat in late January 2016. The program works for anyone that follows it. RoLaberee...you got this!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    338

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    My god, I positively hate gym meddlers. If you don't absolutely fucking know, do NOT offer advice. Good for you for getting in the gym and getting stronger.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Posts
    176

    Default

    I have longinsh femurs, retroverted hips and a short, slightly scoliotic spine. I have been at this since the mid 80's and competed in powerlifting for 17 years (1990 - 2007). I need to squat with 23" between the heels to get below parallel with a flat back. In that position my back is inclined to a large degree. My best official lifts are 575,375,535. I have done good mornings with as high as 465.

    The man who attempted to "correct" your squat form forgot one important fact. Though we all should squat according to principles, everyone will exhibit unique tracking and positioning due to varied anthropometry. The bottom line is this: if you're getting stronger and your healthy your form is fine. Do NOT change it because someone suggests something.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    6

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan B. View Post
    My wife will turn 59 in October. She currently squats 190lbs; deadlifts 235lbs; benches 115lbs and can press 80lbs over her head. She started with a 65lb squat in late January 2016. The program works for anyone that follows it. RoLaberee...you got this!
    Dang, I want to meet your wife. Impressive!

    Thank you for the encouragement. I have stayed active all my life but I never focused on strength. Wish I had.
    Having arrived so late to the barbell party, I wonder what is within the realm of possible. Guess I'm gonna find out.
    Cheers!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    1,077

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    starting strength coach development program
    Quote Originally Posted by RoLaberee View Post
    Dang, I want to meet your wife. Impressive!

    Thank you for the encouragement. I have stayed active all my life but I never focused on strength. Wish I had.
    Having arrived so late to the barbell party, I wonder what is within the realm of possible. Guess I'm gonna find out.
    Cheers!
    It will be more than you previously thought possible.

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