Weekend Archives: Rip: Deep Squats

[Mark Rippetoe]

Deep Squats | Mark Rippetoe

[mpalios]

Got two questions related to this article, specifically this part.....

We speculate that loading the whole body causes a systemic hormonal response, and that deadlifts don’t because of the shorter range of motion and the lack of a stretch reflex at the hardest mechanical position.

Question 1)
DL range of motion is less bc the starting point isn't 'below parallel'? Correct?

Question 2)
Stretch reflex... Is that the 'bounce back' from just below parallel and up? Is the stretch reflex just because you're so deep vs not as deep on the DL?

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

1. Yes.

2. Stretch reflex is because the first half of a squat is eccentric.

[mpalios]

2. Stretch reflex is because the first half of a squat is eccentric.

Got anything that discusses this in more depth?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition (Current Revision, Paperback) – The Aasgaard Company

[mpalios]

I've got another question on this...how the squat is superior vs the DL. I believe you when you say it's superior as a full body movement vs the DL. I just don't understand it. A couple of things come to mind. Please tell me where I am wrong. I'm also going to grossly simplify this, and not on purpose.

Squat -
100% effort from quad, hams, glutes
50% effort from lower back (% is a guess, obviously)
0% effort from arms, shoulders, upper back/traps

Deadlift -
80% effort from quad, hams, glutes (although I feel MUCH more in my hams/Glutes in the DL than squat)
70% effort from arms, shoulders, upper back/traps

So, first, maybe my assumptions above are wrong. But I am absolutely wiped out after DL. Everything is tired after it. Squat...yes, my legs, calves, butt is tired. But it's just from the hips and below.

Could it be that I'm performing the movements wrong? Maybe...but I'm working with Pete to correct that; so I don't think that's it.

Could it be that I'm a weak MFer? Yep.

It would SEEM that DL has a more practical application...having to pick something up that may be heavy is more likely than JUST squatting down, then up.

Thanks for any guidance and help on this.

[mpalios]

I am replying to my own post, yes. In an effort to distract me from the Corona Thread, I now want to know how I am clueless when it comes to DL vs Squats......

[Mark Rippetoe]

Blue Book. Read it again.