Squat leg distance

[dixon]

How far apart should your legs be when you squat? I've experimented with a couple of distances, and I feel like I'm getting the best workout with them far apart, but it also feels pretty hard on the knees...when they're close together it feels better, but also much easier

i've been told shoulder width apart but as i said it feels too easy that way

 

[diwana]

I do it with them about shoulder width apart

 

[MightyTriby]

Generally, most excercises are done with feet shoulder width apart.

 

[ezzy]

if its too easy, go heavier!!

 

[flex88]

everyones diffrent man if you getting good results from what your doin at the moment stay with it..but squats are usually performed shoulder width apart and your feet can be out at a 30degree angle no more than that other wise you put stess on other parts of your leg and you dont want a injury..

..flex88..

 

[Dan]

everyones diffrent man if you getting good results from what your doin at the moment stay with it..but squats are usually performed shoulder width apart and your feet can be out at a 30degree angle no more than that other wise you put stess on other parts of your leg and you dont want a injury..

..flex88..

Alot of PL's squat with a wide stance - guess it depends on your goals. Can you explain the part about stress on your legs & injury?

 

[ketamatrix]

Dixon,

The issue with your knees is most likely to do with how you are actually descending into the negative of the squat and not your leg positioning.  When you are descending the movement is similar to that of sitting back onto a chair rather than straight up and down. also it it imperative that your knees do not go out beyond your toes when in the "hole".

If you need to lighten up the weight until you are comfortable with the technique, do so.

I squat "ATG" (ass to ground) and have never had any issues with my knees.

Regards
K

 

[Dan]

Hey keta,
The knees will tend to drift a little over the toes depending on your anatomical composition - excessively forward is where the problems start. Rippetoe writes alot about this in Starting Strength.