Going Low Enough?
Are you squatting low enough?
Are you going low enough in your squat?
It's easy when watching a video or seeing a photo of someone doing something to quickly jump to criticism.
Maybe it's done in a way that is different than yours.
Maybe some coach has told you it will lead to injury.
Maybe you don't think the technique is correct.
But the first question to ask is: why might they be doing it that way?
Sometimes we aren't going low enough. Sometimes we need coaches or tools for accountability.
Sometimes going low just isn't beneficial for the performance of a task or sport.
Sometimes going low isn't something our bodies are prepared for. Yet.
Sure in multiple competitive sports (powerlifting, CrossFit) that depth would not pass in competition. But is the person competing? Are they missing sufficient hip/knee or ankle range of motion to go lower? Are they working through an injury and want to gradually reintroduce depth? Is their training sport specific (volleyball, basketball, hockey) where they want to get strong in sport-specific positions?
Sure this depth meets competition standards for powerlifting and CrossFit. But this depth is likely lower than needed for an athlete to maximize performance in powerlifting. For athletes who want to compete in olympic weightlifting this is a great position to develop.
Sure this squat is low, but at what cost? We can tell this athlete to go low to meet some standard, but is their body capable of that standard? Do they have the range of motion to get into that position? Do they have the breathing and bracing mechanics to remain there safely? Won't know without assessing.