Squat technique question

[TrapsMcLats]

Lately, I have been really working on my squat form as I have been moving up in weight.  I have found that as I come up from my low point, I "contract" the arch in my back (actively flex my back straight).  This seems to allow me to do more weight, puts the weight on my legs and less on the lower back, and makes for a more fluid movement.  I have never heard anyone mention this before, is it  good idea, or...?

And for the record, i am not one of those people that bends in half/leans forward at a damn near 90 degree angle when doing a squat.

[Meso_z]

Lately, I have been really working on my squat form as I have been moving up in weight.  I have found that as I come up from my low point, I "contract" the arch in my back (actively flex my back straight).  This seems to allow me to do more weight, puts the weight on my legs and less on the lower back, and makes for a more fluid movement.  I have never heard anyone mention this before, is it  good idea, or...?

And for the record, i am not one of those people that bends in half/leans forward at a damn near 90 degree angle when doing a squat.

Yes I do that. Almost like "locking", right?

Also when i go down, i try and go straight down, vertical, without leaning forward...legs get on fire.

[TrapsMcLats]

Yes I do that. Almost like "locking", right?

Also when i go down, i try and go straight down, vertical, without leaning forward...legs get on fire.

yup, "locking," exactly.  I think its improving my back, too.  Squats are the mother of all lifts.

[Meso_z]

yup, "locking," exactly.  I think its improving my back, too.  Squats are the mother of all lifts.

[vic86]

But nothing wrong in using the lower back and being explosive at the bottom,works well when one goes for heavier weights.

[TrapsMcLats]

But nothing wrong in using the lower back and being explosive at the bottom,works well when one goes for heavier weights.

well, i wouldn't say i'm taking my lower back out of it, more positioning it for more power... does that make sense?

[wes]

Gotta` "stay tight" when squatting heavy !!

[chaos]

At the bottom of your squat your hips should "roll", then when you start out of the hole and your hips roll back into position you should be contracting your back to stay tight. The fact you actually notice it is probably due to the weight increase.

Try deadlifting heavy if it concerns you.

[jpm101]

Might suggest bench squats in helping improve technique in squatting.  From a slight pause or dead stop and starting again from that sitting position. The touch & go style is not quite the same , but can be applied also.

Another exercise not generally know to BB'ers is doing squats from a dead stop (2-3 second pause) at the bottom position (done in a lower pin setting) in a Power Rack/cage seems to help a lot of guy's. Tough exercise to get use to at first, but good never the less. The tough ones can be the most rewarding after a while. Good luck.

[AngrySOB]

Lately, I have been really working on my squat form as I have been moving up in weight.  I have found that as I come up from my low point, I "contract" the arch in my back (actively flex my back straight).  This seems to allow me to do more weight, puts the weight on my legs and less on the lower back, and makes for a more fluid movement.  I have never heard anyone mention this before, is it  good idea, or...?

And for the record, i am not one of those people that bends in half/leans forward at a damn near 90 degree angle when doing a squat.

Right move bro... It'll help keep you upright. Keep the upper back tight too though to keep upright. When you really get stuck on a squat is when like you said you are leaned forward too much and the chest goes concave. Keep the chest puffed out and grip the bar tight.