Dr. Don Corrigan This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Squat Dangers

   www.cyberpump.com/features/ste - [Cached]

   Published on: 8/20/2001   Last Visited: 6/2/2002

   However, in a conversation with Dr. Corrigan of Purdue University, we discussed ways in which some have made the exercise either less effective, or relatively dangerous. Whatever was written in 1985 in this article, holds true today. You have to squat, but you have to do so in the most intense and effective way possible.
   
   Squat Dangers
   
   I had a very interesting conversation recently with Professor Don Corrigan of Purdue University. This gentleman is the former head coach of the boilermaker wrestling team, and is a scholar expert in exercise physiology. Some of the comments he made regarding the squat should be of interest to everyone.
   
   1. "Bouncing off the bottom in the squat may allow you to use more weight in a power-lifting meet, but does little for building real strength." I can only agree. Bouncing, especially if the lifter is wearing a tight, elastic type suit, will increase the weight one uses, but is dangerous. The connective tissue of the knee can be damaged in this manner, and imparting momentum to the bar by bouncing does almost nothing for inducing growth stimulation.
   
   2. "The belts and wraps also add weight to one's lift, but again, with no actual input toward building real strength."
   ...
   Again, I can only agree with Dr. Corrigan. He told me that his athletes stressed full range, controlled movements, and always did best when they concentrated on basic exercises that worked the major muscle groups. He always insisted that his wrestlers avoid jerky, rapid movements, so that exposure to injury was minimized and strength gains were induced. "I'd really like to see them start the squat from the bottom position, not the top. Then we'd see who the really strong squatters were. Enough of this bouncing stuff, and enough of all these artificial aids." All wise words from a very wise man.