Quote:
Originally Posted by V
So I don't even have to go to 90 degrees to gain all the benefits of the squat?
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Well it's virtually impossible to study the differences between going full depth squat vs 90 in a variety of people.
Think about it; you'd have to take hundreds (probably thousands) of people, control exactly what they're doing in the gym and eating (among all the other things that impact lifting/strength/etc), and have the only difference being squat depth. Then you'd have to have a reliable measure that takes genetic differences into account, injuries, etc.
EMG studies show the only thing in a deeper squat that's more activated is glute max.
You should go as deep as your hips allow you to. I don't know about you, but risking a lumbar spine injury for gains you'll never know the difference of isn't worth it. There are probably hundreds of things you can do for better gains over the difference of full vs parallel (or partial, if needed) squats.
Plus one injury you're off for 6 weeks and lost any gains anyway.