Squatting Deep Enough?

[HUNG4RY4N]

Up until today I've been squatting as low as possible. Far far past parallel, until my ass was near my heels, and I could go no further. Doing this started irritating my left calf 3-4 weeks ago. Right now it feels like I developed tendinitis in my calf (IDK if thats even possible).

Today I decided to only squat until my butt barely dips into "the pocket", and I only went an inch or two below parallel.

My calf felt a million times better, and my squat was a lot stronger this way. but I felt like I'm cheating. Am I cheating or is this still correct form?

Thanks

 

[Dlove]

Parrallel or below you aren't cheating bro. It's those guys that stack 4 45's on each side thinking they can handle it that only break three quarters the way. The funny thing is when everyone in the gym looks at them like their strong or something.

Thats odd though man you were going ass to the grass with your squats and it hurt your calf. Ive heard knee problems, lower back problems but not calf problems. Im wondering if it's the squats, you think? BTW how much you squat 6-8 times?

 

[HUNG4RY4N]

I'm not sure what else besides the squats could be hurting my calves. When I'm all the way at the bottom of my squat, and start going back up, that's when I get a bolt of pain running down my calf. Except for when squatting, and for a few hours after I don't feel the pain.

I do Bill Starr's ORIGINAL 5x5 workout, so I squat 3 times a week, always for 5 reps/set + one set of 8 on Fridays.

 

[Dlove]

Damn bro 3x times a week SQUATS! I see why you have some pain. Shit I dont think I could walk if I squated 3x week.

 

[HUNG4RY4N]

Could any of the powerbuilders or powerlifters on the board give me their opinion on form?

 

[Shaun47]

I don't have many posts, but I can help you out a little. As long as your at least parallel your squat is going to be beneficial. Going as low as you have stated can put some serious pressure on the knee and is probably stretching something in your calf further then it wants too. Compound that with weight on it and that could be your problem.

If your going ass to the grass I'm pretty sure your form is pretty good as far as weight on your heels and try not to let your knees go ahead of your toes.

All I can pretty much tell you is if the deep squats hurt your leg, don't do them. Go as far as you can until the pain comes. Should heal up if its injured. Plus you said you were stronger so if you can put on more weight your should see some more gains from it. But just remember don't sacrifice any less than parallel just to make people look at you like your strong.

 

[AASynergist]

Personally when I squat I always go when possible ATG you have to if you want glutes to kick in. Most of the pros do it Tom Platz was famous for it and he had freakish legs. If you are getting probs in the achilles it is most likely soleus. Some tips make sure you adequately warm up first 10 mins on the bike and stretching. You may want to try using lifts under your heels this helps me balance and maintain good form for ATG (less stress on soleus).

I sometimes use heavy weights and only do 1/4 range squats but it is only so I get used to the extra weight. If I want to squat heavier I have to do this looks bad but it works.

 

[trainlikehell]

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH Dlove ON THE VOLUME. 5X5 3XS PER WEEK IS A TON OF VOLUME. IF YOUR INTESITY IS HIGH I HAVE FOUND DOING 5X5 ONCE A WEEK AND A LIGHT HIGH REP DAY ONCE A WEEK WORKS WELL. SEE WHAT YOU THINK! GOOD LUCK!