It’s natural when we’re in the gym to want to master every move, but especially key compound lifts like the barbell back squat. But as an Olympian, weightlifter, and pentathlete dan juan explains in a recent Instagram video, it’s okay if you’re not.
“A lot of us just aren’t good at squatting,” he says. “I’m sure some weightlifters are rolling their eyes right now and are going to say I’m terrible, but the truth is some people just don’t squat well.”
“It’s okay to not be perfect on certain lifts,” he continues. “I think it’s important to squat, the load isn’t that important… When in doubt, squat and don’t worry so much about the load.”
John explains this in the caption, recalling his own experience as an Olympian, weightlifter, and pentathlete. “I’ve been a top athlete for decades and I can say that having a great squat never helped my performance like powerlifters promised,” he writes.
He goes on to say that in addition to lifting lighter weights, alternatives to the back squat are also worth exploring, including the goblet squata move that John himself invented and that you may find more accessible than using a barbell.
In addition to the goblet squat, there are other squat variations out there that might be more suitable to your needs. For example, the barbell safety squat helps you control the weight while making your shoulders more comfortable, and the Bulgarian split squat is particularly useful for addressing muscle imbalances.
Philip Ellis is a UK freelance writer and journalist who covers pop culture, relationships and LGBTQ+. His work has appeared in GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, and MTV.
