Squats....How deep?

[NumberCruncher]

OK, I've read conflicting opinions and I want to know what you all think...Should a squat be executed beyond a 45 degree bend at the knee?  I've heard anything deeper than that is too hard on your knees.  Also, what's the best lift to focus on the upper thighs?  I can't seem to get much definition from about mid-thigh up.

[BEEF]

I squat to parallel, this is personal preference. I used to squat ATG but found it was giving a big ass :O so started only squatting to parallel and have found this to be the best for me. I have had excellent growth in my thighs with this.

Surely a 45 degree would only be half way to parallel? If i'm reading this right. I don't think that's enough but I am an amatuer one of the experienced guys and gals on here will be able to fill you in on this.

[NumberCruncher]

I did mean parallel....meaning if standing upright the leg is at 180 degrees and bent to thighs parallel with the ground, the knee would be bent to 45 degrees.    I think we're saying the same thing.

[wolverine]

I go parallel or just a bit deeper then on my last set or two I drop the weight and go ATG to obliterate my thighs

[queenofthedamned]

this deep....

[BEEF]

I did mean parallel....meaning if standing upright the leg is at 180 degrees and bent to thighs parallel with the ground, the knee would be bent to 45 degrees.    I think we're saying the same thing.

I confused myself a little with this :O Looking at the picture qotd posted, the knee is bent to a 45 degree angle, so I see where you were coming from now

[NumberCruncher]

Being in my late 30's I think I want to keep the stress on my knees to a minimum, so I'll stick to a parallel squat, but what can I do to isolate my upper thighs?  Any ideas?  I honestly can't think of any movement I've seen to do that.  Or...maybe I shouldn't worry about it.  hahaha

BTW, my leg routine is usually as follows or some variation:

Dumbell lunges 3 sets of 10 each leg
Squats 4x10 or Leg Press 4x10 with escalating weight on both
Then I do what I call "the gauntlet" where I do one set of each of these back to back for a cycle, and I do 4 cycles.
Leg Extension
Leg Curls (prone)
Calf Raises on a prone leg press machine

[p.s.]

As far as the definition goes that is all diet/cardio related. IMO you should go to at least parallel but the key is to never bounce as this is what will hurt the knees (not going overly deep). Keep the reps high IE 10-20 for leg growth and drop that gauntlet routine you're doing, as circuit type routines are not very conducive to building muscle mass.

I would suggest that you do this leg routine:

Leg curls 4x12
seated leg curls 4x12
leg extensions 4x20
squats 6x20-10
leg press 4x20
lunges 4x15 each leg.

Do not lockout on any reps for quads and always maintain a solid mind/muscle connection on any movement so as to maximize the exercises growth potential.

[NumberCruncher]

Thanks ps....however, I always thought that to build mass I should do lower reps and higher weight, and to define and shape is lower weights with higher reps.  Is that wrong, or just different for legs?

Sorry....showing my ignorance.

[DerekB]

10-12 reps seems to be the norm for growth, but there are some exercises that work best with an even higher rep range.  Leg presses and extensions are two of those like p.s. recommended.  Lunges also get alot more reps in my workout.  I usually lunge down the length of my gym, which works out to about 14 lunges per leg and that seems to work best.  Lower reps like 4-8 are typically for strength (especially 4-6 reps) and powerlifting type movements.  I do deadlifts in the 2-6 rep range (after a few higher rep warmups), with 2 reps being my last 2 sets usually.

You could experiment and find what works best for you, but I'd go with what p.s. recommended and work from there.

[coneytt]

even at 315 I break the plank. Just below parallel. I also go a bit wider too, (I have big shoulder width) so i go shoulder width.

[p.s.]

Thanks ps....however, I always thought that to build mass I should do lower reps and higher weight, and to define and shape is lower weights with higher reps.  Is that wrong, or just different for legs?

Sorry....showing my ignorance.

The only ignorant/stupid question is the unasked one. IMO legs can take one hell of a beating and need both volume and intensity in order to attain their maximum growth potential.

[JohnnyCage]

I never go past parallel really. I had a pretty nasty knee injury from snowboarding and I beleive that is why my knee hurts so bad when I go too far down.

[BEEF]

The only ignorant/stupid question is the unasked one. IMO legs can take one hell of a beating and need both volume and intensity in order to attain their maximum growth potential.

I train my legs at a very high intensity, normally repping between 8 and 12 reps. I find this the best for me, and I've had some good results on my legs doing this.

[Jack Tragic]

Everyone is of course different. For warming up and a good stretch, i'll go 2 plates all the way down SLOWLY and hold for a 2-3 count and then come back up for 10-12 reps. Add 2 more plates and then do the same...SLOWLY! When I start my "work sets" @ 315, 405, 445, 485 and 500, etc...now THAT's when I make sure that I never go BELOW parrell as with this weight it would be just too much strain on my knee ligaments. But as I stated...everyone is of course different! I have seen power-lifters in my gym doing squats ass to the floor with 400 or 500 pounds (non-bouncing and controlled). Keep in mind though that power lifters are usually thicker and shorter than average, which gives them and entirely different "center of gravity" and a shorter lifting distance than lets say Jack Tragic or anyone else over 5'5", 6'
                   * That pic of Queenie nailing 455lbs. ALWAYS makes me smile! That little lady has the heart of a Clydsdale horse and NEVER quits!! 
                            (even if p.s. WAS coppin' a freebie...can you blame him?)