Do tall people squat more?

[AD69]

Just because I'm bored, I've been thinking:

I'm 6'2, and wondering if my femur is longer than average because of my height, then I must have a greater range of motion during the squat (further to travel up and down).

Any physicists able to confirm?

[Buffalo150]

AD-

Trust me on this one...

DON'T THINK...just do.

-Bflo

p.s. hit Lissa for the physics skinny...

[clavelle]

I am 65" tall, so I am a short guy but I work out with a partner who is 5'8" and one who is about your height, but hell most 12 year olds are taller then me.

But the longer range of motion is not making you stronger then say some one shorter then you because you are still moving your body weight plus the weight of the bar. I do not know how your form is so I will just tell you from what I see in my partners, at the bottom of their squat they keep a straight back but have to move forward ever so slightly to get the same depth as I am, just something I have noticed in their form. Also a shorter person will actually have the bigger look sooner then you because of their shorter muscle mass they will look solid quicker then someone who is taller and has to build up more tissue to look the same.

Of coarse the argument can also move to who is stronger really fast, because if you have someone who is lighter but is doing more then his body weight on the bar then say a taller heavier person who can not lift thier body weight yet the lighter guy is stronger, but I know that goes with out saying.

So long answer to your question...lol...(I really needed a break from my studies) NO

PS. my work-out partners are lifting the same amount of weights as me and having trouble with it and they are not even close to thier BW mark yet and I am 20LBS past mine so I get to play stronger right now.

[ken20008]

i dont know abt this one, but i think its the same for everyone.

[tkxii]

I've read that it depends on your leg length in comparison to the rest of your body. So if you take two 6 footed people, and one with shorter legs is more predisposed to squatting huge weights.

[izzostrength]

Shorter people actually hold a mechanical advantage to squat more. Generally speaking, the bar has a shorter distance to travel. The length of the femur and torso length really determine whether one is built for squatting. That is not to say tall squatters can't squat heavy. It all really depends on proper instruction, coaching, and preparation--as well as auxiliary training for the squat.

[rere]

It all really depends on proper instruction, coaching, and preparation--as well as auxiliary training for the squat.

Do you have some tips on auxillary training which assist the squat?

[izzostrength]

I like overhead squats as an auxiliary exercise for learning squatting mechanics: http://standapartnews.mypodcast.com/2008/08/Overhead_Squats_Not_Just_for_Athletes-131535.html

Another article that is aimed more at a ball squat, but does talk about mechanics and exercises is here:
http://www.izzostrengthtraining.com/Not ... Squat.html