Squatting, the correct stance

[co1e_train]

Hey everyone,


I have a question on the proper form/stance for squatting. It seems to that powerlifters tend to squat with a much wider stance whereas people who body build have a narrower stance like right at or just outside shoulder width. My question is does one stance differ from the other in terms of over all leg development? Im taller and little larger (or maybe just wider) and i feel that when I squat that my stance is a little wide and that my knees jet out at the side opposed to staying straight ahead. Is that an issue when it comes to leg development?

Thanks,

the train

[zmcdole]

A lot of people will say that a narrower stance will hit the outer sweep of the quads and a wider stance will hit the inner sweep of the quads. I don't really notice a difference when I squat. If I really blast my quads with squats or hack squats or any other leg movement, my foot placement never really plays a factor in regards to where I feel it. I place my feet a little wider than shoulder width apart when I squat because that's where I need my feet to be in order to use the best form. On hack squat my feet are a little inside shoulder width and again I do this because I feel like I perform this movement optimally with my feet in this position.

My advice is to put your feet in the place that allows you to use the best form possible.

[DanTheManB]

Hey everyone,


I have a question on the proper form/stance for squatting. It seems to that powerlifters tend to squat with a much wider stance whereas people who body build have a narrower stance like right at or just outside shoulder width. My question is does one stance differ from the other in terms of over all leg development? Im taller and little larger (or maybe just wider) and i feel that when I squat that my stance is a little wide and that my knees jet out at the side opposed to staying straight ahead. Is that an issue when it comes to leg development?

Thanks,

the train

you're relatively tall too. usually taller guys (over 5'10) find it more comfortable with a wider stance ....helps a lot with getting lower. experiment. find a bench t osit on thats literally parallel or below (whatever youre most comfy with) and squat to it

[co1e_train]

Just to note, I accidently put this in the "Contest Prep Journals" I apologize mods, please feel free to move the thread.


Thanks for the input guys. Like you said I want to have the best form while squatting and be able to go to at least parallel. Its one thing to squat with my legs closer together, knees straight forward without weight but a lot more difficult/not as comfortable or natural as a feel when I have my work set weight on my back.

This question was prompted from viewing videos of pros and others squatting and I wasn't sure if it really mattered either way.

-the train

[Ryanmckd]

I do a semi wide stance with toes pointing out, just personal preference.. don't know if it's the most beneficial.

[rich55]

Powerlifters go wide for more hip and glute push, in addition to creating a smaller distance of travel to squat bigger weight. If you are a bodybuilder, I recommend slightly wider than shoulder width stance to pull harder on the quads and build bigger legs. This will still allow for a fair amount of power. Happy squatting!

[co1e_train]

Thanks everyone. I think I will try to keep my stance in, just beyond shoulder width to focus my quads more if if that means I need to sacrifice some weight for form intially.

[DanTheManB]

Powerlifters go wide for more hip and glute push, in addition to creating a smaller distance of travel to squat bigger weight. If you are a bodybuilder, I recommend slightly wider than shoulder width stance to pull harder on the quads and build bigger legs. This will still allow for a fair amount of power. Happy squatting!

I'd recommend whatever he feels most comfortable with. No reason to make it cookie-cutter. Cole, a wide stance will still develop your quads just as well as a narrow one. if you really want to focus on just quads, do front squats.

[zmcdole]

Hack squats are great for isolating the quads as well.

[co1e_train]

Hack squats are great for isolating the quads as well.

They sure do! Though sadly my gym doesn't have hack squat machine. However, on my hypertrophy leg days I have been doing two sets of regular squat with two sets of front squat as well to focus on the quads as well as for just some variety.