A Visual Example Of Squatting Mechanics
30 Jul 26, 2007
In this photo of Tom Platz squatting,…what can you observe?
-Foot Position?
-Angle of Shins?
-Angle of Torso?
-Chin/Head Position?
-His Breathing (Holding breath?)
The double lines on his sweats provide an excellent perspective.
Remember also, squat position varies for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifting and strongman training. It also varies depending on body mechanics.
How about tremendous amount of weight on bar?
I did not realize there were different squat technique for different applications.
Tom Platz is a legend.
One other factor: Platz was MADE to squat! This is a great picture.
I’d say his squat is pretty much a classic olympic squat. Neutral spine, close stance, knees over toes - since his legs are pretty short, not way past his toes.
I don’t know what he’s doing with his breath. I don’t think his cheeks are puffed out, he had ridiculously developed jaw muscles. (Hmmm, wonder how that happened?)
Ugh, Yet another person holding their breath.
Or perhaps AD is correct and it is just the legendary Platz Jaw Muscles,(the Masseter muscle, I think).
Everything I have learned says holding your breath during strain is bad, ValSalva raises the blood pressure in unnecessary and potentially dangerous ways.
Just breath freely, it may not come naturally at first but you can learn to lift while breathing freely.
Sorry, I’ll get off the soapbox now. Just a pet peeve of mine.