Position of upper body during squats

[August]

Hello, Cathe,

I'm a new fan. I'm getting in the best shape of my life in thanks to you! :7

I'd like to ask a question about squatting.

I understand that the knees should not go past the toes and to keep your knees within a 90 degree angle, to push from your heels and to get your butt back like sitting in a chair......however, can you tell me a bit about the top of the body?

The head will be aligned with the back and that line will be tilted slightly forward, is that correct? When you do the actual squat, what happens with the upper body?

1) The head and back keep the alignment and remain at the same tilt moving vertically

OR

2) The head and back keep the alignment but bow forward to keep balance

Many thanks!

Sending well wishes to you,
August

 

[August]

Bumping myself

 

[August]

Hello there and sorry to be asking again...

I did S&H legs and shoulders today and really studied your position when squatting. I see (I think! ) that the angled torso (head aligned) moves in a verticle motion and not a bowing one.

But here's a problem for me - I'm now using a towel around my neck and looking for a pad for the barbell, but when squatting with the barbell, my arms (particularly the right one) starts to swell with blood and I have to keep moving the hand farther down the shaft (away from my head) to get the circulation back. Sometimes I need to put my arm straight down (I know - not a safe thing to do with a barbell!) because my arm aches so much. In fact, I feel the most concentration going into my arm during squats!! x(

What should I do to rid myself of this problem? I'd really appreciate any help you could spare!

Many thanks,
August

P.S. I've also realized today - and I don't know if this has any connection to it but - I have to go relatively light when doing seated overhead presses. Even when going light, my right side in particular wants to wobble and sort of twing. Since starting seated overhead presses (I've only done this 3 times over the past month) I've noticed that when I'm not exercising I sometimes have a dull ache in my right arm...not like DOMS in the muscles, but more like in the bone (?).