Topic: How slow is too slow

[Jerry Lee Morales]

Okay sqt. specialists, I've got one for you.  How slow is too slow in the front and back sqts.?  I'm pretty good in both but like most, the heavier the slower.  When I get to near max or max; I go down on a count of about 1-2 and come up around 3.  Any advice on how I can improve on the "up"?    

[steve zeigman]

Learn to relax into the low squat as soon as you reach the half squat parallel position in the decent.  This will allow you to drop quick the last few inches, hit the bottom, and rebound just like you should be doing in a clean or snatch.  Mostly the slowness of the decent as the weight gets heavier is a mental thing based on desired safety and so most people  control the drop because of this.

Since the weights done in squat exceed those done in clean when you go back to clean your speed of ascent will be quicker regardless of the slowness you experience in the squat.  Let's face it when the weights get heavier the ascent will become slower because of this.

2 cars with same motor but one weighting more than the other the heavier car will accelerate slower.

[Jerry Lee Morales]

Steve, my bottom position is just a hair below parallel but I will make more of an effort to relax near bottom.  Thanks for the advice.