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mihkelrembel
mihkelrembel g Mihkel Rembel
6 Post(s)
6 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: January 1, 2017
Posted

Hi!

For some reason I can not squat with straight back and legs flat - prob some flexibility or lower back is weak... I am working on it.

But what should I do for building muscle and strength:

1. Progress on a regular squat rack but have elevated ankles?

2. Squat on Smith Machine?

On normal rack, I can not go as heavy compared to Smith machine squat

William_Steinset
William_Steinset p William Steinset
1K Post(s)
1K Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Bodybuilding Date Joined: December 12, 1969
Posted
I would personally not do it in a smith machine. It does not allow your stabilizing muscles to aid in, which means creating a body that is not able to handle a multitude of movements. I would but something on your heel or buy lifting shoes and keep squatting. Remember to perform the movement slowly and to not bounce at the bottom. Put the bar high on your shoulders and stand with your feet slightly outwards. Do not train heavy on the squat, go for 15 to 20 reps, at least for now.
MS Athelete / Super Hermanite / SHF
mihkelrembel
mihkelrembel g Mihkel Rembel
6 Post(s)
6 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: January 1, 2017
Posted

Thanks, I have been doing this, so I'll keep at it :)

Scott_Herman
Scott_Herman a Scott Herman
7.1K Post(s)
7.1K Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Bodybuilding Date Joined: August 8, 2008
Posted
Posted By: mihkelrembel

Thanks, I have been doing this, so I'll keep at it :)

I would agree with William, elevate your feet for now, so that you can keep everything as it should be when doing the lift, but also work on your flexibility at the same time. Check out the two videos below for flexibility tips and raised-heel tips :-)

 

http://muscularstrength.com/exclusive/workouts-exercises/Lifting-Heavy-With-No-Squat-Shoes

 

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mihkelrembel
mihkelrembel g Mihkel Rembel
6 Post(s)
6 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: January 1, 2017
Posted

Thanks, I have no problem going below parallel (ass to grass), but yes I will tip forward and lose my balance when going that low with or without weights.

muscular strength
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