The discussions reflect a high level of interest and agreement, with many users emphasizing that spinal flexion during squats is natural and questioning traditional advice to maintain neutrality. For example, posts mention research showing lumbar flexion under load and suggest that allowing the spine to flex might be beneficial, using tone and questions to provoke reflection on safety and technique.
AgreementStrong agreement
Most posters agree that spinal flexion during squats is natural and that arching the back can be problematic, aligning with the study's findings about lumbar bending under load.
InterestHigh interest
Discussions reflect high interest, with users engaging deeply on mechanics, safety, and implications of spinal movement during squats.
EngagementHigh engagement
Posts demonstrate deep engagement through questions, references to research, and practical advice, indicating active discussion and reflection.
ImpactModerate impact
Comments highlight the significance of understanding spinal movement for safer, more effective training, suggesting moderate to high impact on workout practices.
Abstract in brief
This study examined how the lumbar (lower back) and sacrum (base of the spine) move during back squats, especially focusing on differences between narrow and wide stance squats and between men and women.
Researchers found that men and women have different movement patterns in their lumbar and sacrum segments during the squat, with significant differences based on stance width and gender.
The findings also suggest that the lumbar spine tends to become kyphotic (curved forward) when a load is added, which questions the common advice to maintain a curved or "neutral" lumbar spine during squatting exercises.
@GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as soon as the squat was loaded with a bar the spine went into flexion. Wonder if the same when taking slack out of the bar with DL
https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa
Jun 9, 2021 · 5 likes · 1 share · 697 followersView post →
ZC
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X
If you ever get back pain with squatting, a contributing factor could be an ⬆️ lower back arch & rib flare, especially when squats involve some degree of spinal flexion
So what do we do?
This
Mar 7, 2023 · 3 likes · 3,789 followersView post →
MB
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X
Once you load the bar during a squat, the lumbar spine flexes. This study found lumbar flexion range to be 13 degrees in women and 26 in males. Not much of a difference in narrow vs wide stance either.
https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa
If you want your squat to be better, the WORST thing you can do is arch your back
In fact, it goes against natural squat mechanics (ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9)
So what should you do instead?
I'll tell in this
Mar 23, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,789 followersView post →
ZC
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X
@vanbeek__3 Would you agree that the curves changes based on the directionality that the spine has to move in various lifts?
This study seems to suggest so re: back squat - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9
Curve maintenance here seems undesirable
Also, gait changes? Not sure I follow
Jan 29, 2023 · 1 like · 3,789 followersView post →
MB
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X
New YouTube video on spinal flexion and lifting. Can it be avoided? Is it safe?
This study compares spinal and limb movements during restricted and unrestricted squats, revealing that unrestricted squats involve greater knee motion and less spinal curvature change, potentially reducing back stress…
The common advice is to avoid spinal flexion with lifting. This video analyzes findings from a systematic review to determine whether bending the lower back during lifting contributes to low back pain. Join us as we…
3️⃣ Back squat
Back squats require a fair amount of shoulder motion to hold the bar. If you are stiff AF, you’ll arch a bunch to get into position. You don’t want that since the spine actually should flex a bit with back squats
(ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9) https://t.co/tz3gNSwvK8
If you want your squat to be better, the WORST thing you can do is arch your back
In fact, it goes against natural squat mechanics (ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9)
So what should you do instead?
I'll tell in this
Mar 23, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,789 followersView post →
ZC
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X
If you ever get back pain with squatting, a contributing factor could be an ⬆️ lower back arch & rib flare, especially when squats involve some degree of spinal flexion
So what do we do?
This
Mar 7, 2023 · 3 likes · 3,789 followersView post →
ZC
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X
@vanbeek__3 Would you agree that the curves changes based on the directionality that the spine has to move in various lifts?
This study seems to suggest so re: back squat - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9
Curve maintenance here seems undesirable
Also, gait changes? Not sure I follow
Jan 29, 2023 · 1 like · 3,789 followersView post →
RH
Redzal Abu Hanifah
@docredzal · X
The Lumbar and Sacrum Movement Pattern During the Back Squat Exercise https://t.co/SyWcBzAw5Y
RT @MichaelBraccio: @GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as s…
Jun 9, 2021 · 1 share · 1,117 followersView post →
MB
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X
@GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as soon as the squat was loaded with a bar the spine went into flexion. Wonder if the same when taking slack out of the bar with DL
https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa
Jun 9, 2021 · 5 likes · 1 share · 697 followersView post →
MB
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X
New YouTube video on spinal flexion and lifting. Can it be avoided? Is it safe?
Once you load the bar during a squat, the lumbar spine flexes. This study found lumbar flexion range to be 13 degrees in women and 26 in males. Not much of a difference in narrow vs wide stance either.
https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa