Thanks Maximus

[needsmotivation]

I saw your post about my 'squat' question and looked at the 'outer thigh' thread.

Could it be that my inner thighs are not strong enough? When squating with my legs together, I feel stonger and feel like I am performing the move properly. But with my feet apart, I feel like my chest comes to far forward...I do try to keep the weight in my heels and take my "buttocks" back and look forward/up.

Or, maybe I'm trying to go too deep in the squat? Which do you think would be better...to lighten my weight or not go as deep??

Totally confusedx(

Thanks

 

[Maximus]

You're welcome! Yes, it's a possibility that you might need to strengthen your inner thighs. I intentionally do squats to build strength there w/a wide stance, toes pointed slightly outwards. However I work out at a gym w/the smith machine, which is great for ensuring your form is proper. I understand what you're saying about your chest coming forward, but try to focus on your back & make sure it doesn't arch.

Also, there must be some physics involved here--if you put two poles closer together they'll be able to withstand heavier weight than if you place them far apart, if that makes sense.

You should do your squats as if you're sitting down in a chair--your thighs should be perpendicular to the ceiling. You can go lower--I've seen some people do it--but IMO that kind of squat poses a much greater risk of injury.

Hope this is helpful......

 

[needsmotivation]

Yes, very helpful...I think I'm just trying to use too heavy of a weight with cathe's workouts (not quite strong enough yet to use the weight I been trying with the speed with which she does the reps). For now, I'll stick to using heavier weights at the gym with the smith machine, as I seem to do fine with that.

Thanks for your input & have a great day

 

[naughtoj]

I am by no means an expert, but I would say that your inner thighs aren't necessarily weak, but that your glutes and quads are stronger, therefore the narrower stance is easier. Also, I find that flexibility in the hip area greatly affects how far "out" I can put my legs to the sides. Don't know if it inner thigh flexibility or hip flexor....

 

[needsmotivation]

Janice I definitely think it is the inner thigh, as I work hams and glutes and have not been that great with the inner thigh.
Thanks for your input

 

[Bobbi]

In addition to wide-legged squats, you might want to add side lunges. The thing about the inner thigh is it's job is to stabilize the hip and to bring your leg to the midline or, add it, hence it's name the adductor. Since most of our normal movements are not lateral,but foreward, it's tends to be less developed than the quad, the hamstring and the glute but not necessarily under-developed. It can take a bit of extra attention and floor work is also an option. I tend to consider them in relation to the abductor which moves the leg away from the midline, the opposing movement to adduction, and the area which needs to be in balance with the inner thigh. My adductors are short and tight and they definitely required extra attention although I don't always give it to them. Adjusting your stance will definitely do the trick and as it becomes easier, you'll know when to deepen your squat. It's only a matter of time and consistency. Good luck!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

- Mary Oliver

 

[Bobbi]

Oops, I just edited that because I said most of our movements are lateral originally but meant just the opposite.
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

- Mary Oliver

Edited because I can't express myself OR spell today!