NightWolf714

Berserker non-binary from Nashville, TN, USA
Pronouns: They/she
Posts: 1,655
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. ~Carl Rogers"

Learning Squats - Deeper or Flat Footed?

Let's see if I can figure out how to ask this question. I realized that I do half squats. My heel also comes off the ground with it.

I'm slowly working on improving my squat ability. But I'm wondering, is it better to focus on trying to dip lower? Or better to focus on staying flat footed with heels firmly on the ground?

I suppose in the end, I'd want to be able to do both. But not sure which to focus on or which to focus on first, I guess.
 
I'd rather keep my feet firmly on the ground and slowly work on getting down a little more over time.
One of the tricks used to go down more if you have little mobility in your ankles or knees is to put a riser under your heels. The problem is that in this way the inclination planes of the movements change. It's a bit like walking barefoot or with shoes, there is a difference. I try if I can to work on movements that are as natural as possible even if then I reach a limit for age and physical ability, I think that in this way my training can help me in all those natural movements that are done in everyday life. :)
 
Thank you both @Fremen and @Logan . Both of y'all's posts were very helpful. Sounds like having a little lift under the heel, working on going down more, and working on strengthening the muscles used will help out. Appreciate helping me understand this!

I also found this video linked from the one above that seems useful. (I'm literally looking like the example there of a human shrimp.) So sharing in case it helps others too.