“Squat Has Been Bastardized”: Most Common Gym Exercise Done Wrong? Veteran Bodybuilder Raises Concern

Bodybuilding is the science of symmetry and aesthetics of the body. But to achieve a well-conditioned body, one has to work their fingers to the bone, keeping in mind the extensive workout sessions that look at the proportion of the body mass and symmetry. In a recent YouTube video, bodybuilding veteran Tom Platz revealed his concern about the wrong implementation of the squats technique that is often seen being practiced by gym-goers nowadays.

Incorrect technique while exercising can do more harm than good. And the Quadzilla was quick to draw attention. He explained the root cause of the problem that can lead to the repercussions one might suffer consequently. Learn from the expert here! 

Lies travel faster than the truth

The veteran bodybuilder, popularly known for his quads, pointed out the one mistake he could pick on as he observed in real and virtual life. Quadzilla didn’t like the fact that the focus of the basic workout has been shifted to completely different body parts when squats are not about them. Platz fiercely called out the fitness freaks and said, “The squat has been bastardised. The technique has been bastardized to make it about hip flexors and lower back.”

Further, Platz decided to point out the mistake that most commit. He said, “Everyone nowadays, the first thing they do in squats is they lean forward.” But he didn’t stop at just picking out the problem. Instead, he also depicted the solution to fix this mistake people have been following knowingly or unknowingly in the gyms.

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The Golden Eagle said, “The nose comes this way, the nose should go this way like you’re jumping in water, not diving.” In the end, Platz advised gym-goers to adapt the corrective measure immediately, even if means they have to go back to the basics again. He spoke, “Everybody starts wrong, starts incorrectly. I want the quads to be the prime mover even if you use less weight. I don’t care if you use the bar, use your quads.”

Moving on, let us have a look at the reactions of some fans to Platz’s advice. 

Bodybuilding fans have mixed reactions to the legend’s advice

Bodybuilding fans were divided into two opinions as the Quadmaster reflected on his thoughts in the video. A few fans were totally on board with Quadzilla’s thoughts on squats. They appreciated the advice and wrote, “Nose leaning foward is an excelent cue. I’ve never realized it before!”

“This man is KING”

“All hail the Quadfather, his truth is the only truth.”

On the other hand, some bodybuilding fans didn’t agree with Platz and were skeptical to what Platz believed to be true. They wrote, 

“If you don’t have as great knees as this guy, that’s a great way to get injured.”

“If the squatter doesn’t have enough flexibility, that might make them lean a bit too forward.”

Lately, many former bodybuilders like Phil Heath, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler, etc. have been pointing out gym mistakes and correcting them with better advice. Looking at Platz physique, it is only natural to assume that he knows what he is doing. 

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