Introduction

1. Back Squat is one of the most important and complete strength training movements

2. WHY: Utilizes HIP EXTENSION 3. WHERE IT’S USED: Functional Movements

such as walking, jogging, sprinting, jumping, standing up, stepping up stairs, lunging, lifting objects up off the floor, etc.

4. The squat strengthens the hip extensor muscles, which improves strength and performance in all of these tasks!

Joint Actions & Prime Movers

Hip ExtensionPrime Movers:

○ Gluteus MaximusSynergist Movers:

○ Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, & Adductor Magnus

Knee ExtensionPrime Movers:

○ Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius, Vastus Medialis, Rectus Femoris

Joint Actions & Prime Movers

Back & Trunk Isometric ContractionPrime Movers:

○ Erector Spinae Group, Hamstrings, Latisimus Dorsi, Trapezius, Obliques, & Abdominals

○ Hamstrings???

Squats are a full body exercise!

Executing the Back SquatPractice this Process in LAB!!!**

1. ALWAYS start with and EMPTY bar first 2. Grip the bar outside shoulder width with thumbs

on top of the bar 3. Pull yourself under the bar & lift your elbows

(“trap the bar”) 4. The bar should be placed just under the spine of

the scapula (“the bone at the top of the shoulder blades”) p. 25

5. Take 3-4 steps backwards 6. Sit your butt BACK and descend as to proper

depth, OR as far as possible with a neutral spine 7. Drive your hips straight up in the air 8. Walk the bar all the way back INTO the rack

The Importance of Bar Position

Bar Position dictates BODY Position!! The bar should be placed just under the spine of the scapula (“the

bone at the top of the shoulder blades”) What are the different forces in action here?

Compression, Tension, & Torque or rotational force

What is a moment arm?

Breathing During the Squat

Valsalva ManueverHolding your breath against a closed glottis while

pressure is applied by the abdominal and thoracic muscles○ Increased lung (intra-thoracic) pressure○ Increased intra-abdominal pressure ○ Spinal Erectors contracting

Increases pressure and stability, but also in vary rare cases could cause cerebrovascular accidents due to increased pressure of the arteries and cerebrospinal fluid.

Back Squat Cues

1. Butt Back 2. Knees Out & Back p. 55 3. Superhero Chest/Skydiver 4. Rippetoe’s “Master Cue”- “Think

about keeping the bar over the middle of your foot.” Why?? p. 14

5. Tight Back 6. Drive your hips straight up out of the

bottom.

Back Squat Checklist

1. Neutral Spine*** 2. Neutral Neck 3. Knees Out (&Tracking Over Toes) 4. Appropriate Depth (for the INDIVIDUAL!!!)

5. Feet Flat & Weight on Their Heels Toes turned out 30 degrees p. 47

Back Squat Progression

1. TRX/Band-Assisted Squat (Depth) 2. “Bottom’s Up” Goblet Squat (Neutral

Spine/Depth) 3. Goblet Squat/behind a box (Pattern) 4. Back Squat

1. Assisted Squat

Purpose: Squat Depth/Mobility Common Flaws: Hip Hinge Cues: Hold on, Superman chest, Sit down (Use a box for depth, if

needed)

2. “Bottoms Up” Goblet Squat

We learn motor skills best from the ground up (roll, creep, crawl, kneel, stand)

Purpose: Teach Neutral Spine at the Bottom Position Common Flaws: Vertical Back Angle Cues: Elbows inside knees, Push Out, Skydiver

3. Goblet Squat

Purpose: Teach proper squat pattern Common Flaws: Depth, Vertical Back Angle Cues: Elbows inside knees, drive your butt up *Use Box for depth, if needed!

Back Squat Flaws & Corrections

If someone isn’t ready to back squat, don’t let the back squat!!

USE REGRESSIONS INSTEAD! There are other ways to get strong while

you’re correcting movement dysfunctions.

Review Items 1. Identify the key human movement that is trained in

the back squat & why it is important to functional movement.

2. List the prime mover muscle of the back squat . 3. List 3 of your own cues for the back squat exercise

(NOT my cues from the powerpoint or class!!). 4. List the 5 major points of the back squat checklist. 5. List the 4 back squat regressions in order, their

primary purpose, and 2-3 of your own cues for each. 6. Explain the effect of bar position on body position.