Feedback on squat

[IntenZe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXqFPpW9ilU

Thank you.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Looks like you're in a really horizontal position to me.

[Tom Campitelli]

Looks like you're in a really horizontal position to me.

I had to watch the video before I really understood this one. Very true, however.

Rip, I think a sticky might be in order on how to video the exercises. I'll give it a shot, although I'm sure others will have something to add:

1. If at all possible, have someone else hold the camera. Setting the camera on the ground, or another stationary object (with the exception of a tripod) rarely results in a great picture.
2. Film your exercises at 45 degree angles from your position. This provides the most information about what you are doing throughout an exercise. If you film something directly from the side, the plates often obscure large parts of you. Direct front or back shots tend to be much less useful as well. 45 degree angles are the best bet. If you have read Starting Strength and you still don't do this, you need to reread the book.
3. Make sure that you can see your entire body (head to feet) in the frame.
4. Get a hold of some basic video editing software and learn to use it. Windows comes with a free, if very limited, video editor called Windows Movie Maker. There's no need to sit through 30 to 45 seconds of you walking up to the bar, psyching yourself up, or othewise situating yourself before the lift. Cut that stuff before uploading anything to YouTube.
5. Consider muting the audio unless Chicago is being played.

[Pnigro]

I had to watch the video before I really understood this one. Very true, however.

Rip, I think a sticky might be in order on how to video the exercises. I'll give it a shot, although I'm sure others will have something to add:

1. If at all possible, have someone else hold the camera. Setting the camera on the ground, or another stationary object (with the exception of a tripod) rarely results in a great picture.
2. Film your exercises at 45 degree angles from your position. This provides the most information about what you are doing throughout an exercise. If you film something directly from the side, the plates often obscure large parts of you. Direct front or back shots are tend to be much less useful as well. 45 degree angles are the best bet. If you have read Starting Strength and you still don't do this, you need to reread the book.
3. Make sure that you can see your entire body (head to feet) in the frame.
4. Get a hold of some basic video editing software and learn to use it. Windows comes with a free, if very limited, video editor called Windows Movie Maker. There's no need to sit through 30 to 45 seconds of you walking up to the bar, psyching yourself up, or othewise situating yourself before the lift. Cut that stuff before uploading anything to YouTube.
5. Consider muting the audio unless Chicago is being played.

6. Embed the video by putting the youtube code between [ youtube ] and [ / youtube ]

[KC7]

Looks like you're in a really horizontal position to me.

Rip,

Would getting the bar into a lower position help this?

I remember when I was first starting out I didn't have great flexibility and the bar was sitting higher than optimal. As a result I had a more difficult time staying upright as I had to sit way back and lean way forward. Not sure if I'm completely off base here, just trying to learn.

[rhymer]

Can I second TomC's point no. 4? I get really tired of watching people walk around, wriggle their a?? under the bar for 30 seconds or so, etc. Just the squats, please.

[Mark Rippetoe]

KC7 seems to have missed my point.

[Brandon Oto]

[*]Film your exercises at 45 degree angles from your position. This provides the most information about what you are doing throughout an exercise. If you film something directly from the side, the plates often obscure large parts of you. Direct front or back shots tend to be much less useful as well. 45 degree angles are the best bet. If you have read Starting Strength and you still don't do this, you need to reread the book.

As someone who self-coaches, I PERSONALLY disagree with this, although it's completely up to the individual and I know many who like the 45. But most of my problems, particularly in the Olympic lifts, come down to horizontally shifted bar paths or incorrect joint angles, and to see these I need a side view. So I mostly use those, and just occasionally throw in front or back views to make sure I'm not wobbling the bar, diving my knees, or any such nonsense. YMMV.