Mirrors and squats,

[THEBERG]

I was talking with a work mate about squatting and the needs for mirros, i perosnally dont need a mirror while i'm squatting , i even think most people should learn without, what do u guys think??

[poos_n_wees]

I used to rely on the mirrors for squat technique.. until a friend took some video footage of me from the side, and I saw how truly sucky my technique was

I think it's good to learn to do them without the mirror too - go through a list of cues in your head before starting ie. chest up, abs tight, squeeze shoulder blades together until it all becomes automatic over time.

[2guns]

i always choose a rac with a mirror over one without at my gym but if there is not a mirror available then its no big deal

[Pseudonym]

I like mirrors, and not just because I'm so good-looking... 8)

I think they're a must for any exercise, squats included. It's the only way you'll know if you've got a muscle imbalance. I really try to focus on things like ensuring both shoulders move evenly during a shoulder press (you'd be amazed at how many people's don't). In the case of squats, a mirror tells you as soon as your butt starts to wiggle.

For some exercises, like squats and deadlifts, a video taken side-on shows a lot more information. But that's awkward to set up, and it doesn't give instant feedback. There's definitely a place for mirrors, IMO.

[ohjoshua]

yeah and mirrors give you something to spit on when your repping it out.

[Marcus]

I tend to rely on mirrors for squats & deads also because I have a better idea of how my form is. Especially for deadlifts, once I can see my shoulders dropping a little I know thats it for that set.

[ikka]

I always try to use a mirror, I find it more handy for deads than squats mainly because my form for deads can suck if im not concentrating.