Squat Plateau

[Doug Funnie II]

I had the same problem. Basically after two months I was no longer able to keep adding more weight even though I was getting 4 days rest between workouts. What solved the problem for me was incorporating suitcase deadlifts immediately after doing squats. I think suitcase deadlifts help because they build a lot of strength at the bottom which is where most people are weakest, and they hammer the stabilizing muscles.

[Snafu'd]

Doug, you may be on to something. When I'm deep in the hole on my squats and the weight is heavy, I have a problem with my knees coming together. Could this be due to flexibility issues or weak stabilizing muscles? Or both?

Expert MS Paint diagram for illustration:

[thirddan]

check out the dan john video for squats...practice doing goblet and preacher (i think) squats, that will help keep your keeps out...also, when you are rising focus on the spreading the floor with your feet, this helps with keeping your knees out (at least for me)...also check out t-nation archives for old squat articles, there are tons...

[Thremp]

I think there are some band exercises to work that out. Don't know them off the top of my head.

[Snafu'd]

[ QUOTE ]
I think there are some band exercises to work that out. Don't know them off the top of my head.

[/ QUOTE ]
Well, I do have bands...

[thirddan]

try side walks w/ thew band around your knees...strngthens the glutes and will help you keep your knees out...