Mind & Body by Temple Coaching article
I’ve had multiple clients tell me their past coaches’ cue “eyes down when squatting.” From what I’ve experienced coaching, I strongly disagree.
When a baseball pitcher throws the ball, where is their gaze? Eyes locked on the catcher’s mitt, where they want the ball to go? Or focused on foul ground?
When in a job interview do you make eye contact or stare at the floor? (I guess it may depend who I ask lol)
Is body language relevant? ALWAYS
Where your gaze is performing a squat determines the quality of your squat.
When your eyes are locked on the floor – what position does that put your chest in? Eyes down while squatting for beginner- intermediate lifters – puts your chest in more of a collapsed position. Why is this an issue? It affects Lat engagement & bar position. Lack of Lat engagement in a loaded barbell back squat puts your spine in an insecure position. Creating an environment where risk of mid- low back injury is possible. Based off my experience – Gaze up, creates a chest up position naturally for beginner- intermediate lifters. When training clients & teaching associates, I always cue “eyes up, chest up.” This creates more Lat engagement through the squat movement securing the Thoracic & Lumbar spine.
Gaze up + Chest up = More Lat engagement – securing the spine & securing the bar position.
Gaze up: eyes above the horizon – do not crank neck and eyes to the roof. Lol
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