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Is the squat really a "functional" exercise?


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In this video, H.I.T trainer and expert in the field of bio-mechanics, Bill DeSimone, explains why the traditional BB squat is NOT the "functional" movement we've all been lead to believe it is.

Edited by HIT Rob
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Well, I respectfully agree to disagree depending on what the definition of "functional" is (since different people have different opinions on the definition of the term).

 

For me, I'm after overall strength. With around 18 years of training under my belt, I can safely say that nothing has ever given me the overall strength or carryover to other lifts/other activities. In fact, I was actually pretty weak overall when I was a leg press fanatic years ago despite being able to knock out 1000+ lbs. for sets of 8-10 any day of the week (not to mention, my first lower back issues were experienced when leg pressing, it's really unnatural for me as far as the feel since most machines are less than comfortable when I use them). There are quite a few contradictory experts who have noted that there is often great lower back strain for many people withe leg pressing - once your hips come up even a fraction of an inch, you're opening yourself to plenty of injury potential regardless, it's not truly any safer than a barbell squat when squats are done properly. This brings it back more to an exercise being safe/unsafe due primarily to HOW it is performed moreso than WHAT is being performed, as anything can cause injury if not done properly (I even strained my lower back about 15 years ago doing a set of EZ bar curls, proving that one second of carelessness in any lift can put you out for a bit).

 

Of course, it always seems the majority of people who squat really have little idea of proper form, so they often end up injured due to poor technique and end up blaming the squat when it is much more fault of improper form (usually due to people's desire to stroke their ego and pile on more weight than they're capable of).

 

It goes without saying, you CAN build good size without squats - plenty of people have done it, but suffice to say, the strongest (and almost as often, the fastest) people tend to squat as they find it more appropriate to reaching their overall goals. But sure, if someone just wants to build bigger quads and use machines, you can still get some big legs without ever squatting....but, squatting might just do more than leg pressing ever could, you don't know until you spend enough time under the bar!

 

I'll cap it off with this - I've read training logs from many people who have squatted hard and heavy for decades on end, many of who have never suffered the problems noted in the video. Heck, one of the guys at our gym has squatted 500-650 lbs. (belt and wraps only, no squat suits) for over 2 decades, he's in his mid-50s now and is in better shape and stronger than the bulk of guys half his age and has told me that not once has he ever been injured squatting, but ask him about leg pressing and he'll give you an earful about what it did to his knees early on in his lifting career. I've read quite a few stories from long-time strength competitors and various athletes who almost ended their careers with machine-based injuries despite the claims some make that machines are inherently safer. Food for thought!

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thought the video was interesting so I looked and found the full video:

veganessentials, I think the guy would agree with what you're saying. As long as you can keep the joints in proper alignment and not put more stress than necessary on them, then you'll decrease the chances of injury. He's basically showing that how people approach things can be misguided or not necessarily what is natural. That's how I interpreted it.

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Hi Guys...

 

VB,

 

Bill De Simone explains his definition of "functional" in the video...

 

Indeed poor technique is a big part of why many individuals get injured in a such movements (or any movement for that matter)...however Bill DeSimone is not debating that, hes debating the bio-mechanics behind the traditional back Squat movement / skill / event.

He logically explains why our spine is NOT "designed/evolved" to place heavy loads in that top region of the spine. He does however (as do i) recommend the hip belt squat.

 

With regards to the leg press, were you using a linear style leg press?

 

Linear sled style leg presses are death traps, they put an inordinate amount of stain on the lower back and knees, however, certain leverage style leg presses such as Nautilus, MedX or Hammer greatly reduce stress on the low back and knees.

 

Best

Rob

Edited by HIT Rob
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"The leg press has been shown to make athletes more prone to lower back injury". Agreed (if hes talking about linear style leg presses like pictured in the article), however again, the leverage style leg press machines are designed to elevate stress on the lower back, i've personally have a herniated disc, these machines cause me no irritation what-so-ever.

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