The Squat | Questions about the Stretch Reflex

[DoubleJ]

Hello BBM!

Firstly, I'm still a little unsure about what the Stretch Reflex in the squat 'feels' like. I really don't feel any kind of bounce coming out of the bottom of the movement, so i'm wondering if i'm doing something wrong

Is it a product of the speed of the eccentric part of the motion, perhaps? Are there any particular cues that will help me here?

Secondly - and just out of interest, really - is it necessary for a non-competitive lifter to learn how to use the bounce? i.e. if i'm not getting that little bit of assist, then am i not working the muscles that little bit harder (a la Pin Squats)?

Thanks Guys!

[Austin Baraki]

Yes, you do need to be moving at a certain speed in the eccentric to optimize your stretch reflex. I'd suggest you post a form check video to one of the standard form check resources we've recommended in the past.

And yes, you must learn how to use the bounce. The stretch reflex is a neuromuscular phenomenon that results in increased force production; hence why you can squat more with a bounce than off the pins.

[DoubleJ]

Thanks, Boss

i see that you responded to a similar thread with some advice about excessive depth 'muffling' the bounce - i suspect that i'm guilty of that too.

Will strive to improve