A Kinesiological Analysis of the "Barbell Squat"

Essay by jtvazquezUniversity, Bachelor'sA, December 2002

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A Kinesiological Analysis of the "Barbell Squat"

Step 1. Description of the movement

A. Starting position

Place your feet flat on the floor. From a rack with the barbell upper chest height,

Position the barbell over your Trapezius muscle not over your neck. The bar should be

Placed as far back as possible on the traps for the weight to be distributed properly

For safe execution. Next you would place your hands with a supinated grip around

The bar and hold it comfortably so its stays stable. Next your would thrust your hips

Forward and pull abdominals in and keep your lower back slightly arched. You want to

Try to keep your knees over your toes at all times to stay inline. You also want to have

Your heels directly under the bar.

B. Application of force-first phase

In a controlled manner slowly lower yourself (hips and butt first) down till knees and

Hips form a 90 degree angle and thighs are parallel to floor.

When desending it is important

To keep back very slightly arched.

C. Application of force-second phase (power phase)

In this phase the most power is generated because the legs are pushing against the resistance

To get back to the starting position. In this phase the squatter would push up off his heels

Until they return to the starting position.

Step 2. Purpose of movement

The purpose of the squat is to lower yourself to a position in which you could push

Against resistance to effectively work the thigh area with extreme emphasis on the

Quadriceps. The squat is also the single best bodybuilding movement because of

So many muscles are used in the squat.

Step 3. Classification of movement

Body movements which are involved are translatory. Because the path of the squat

Goes from point...