staying tight during squats

[vikingstrong]

What is the best way to stay tight during back squats and front squats? that is, what do i do with my abbs. do i push them out or suck them in. i used to push my abbs out for low bar squats but i never see anyone doing this while high bar squatting. who do weightlifters stay so tight in the bottom position on squats and cleans and the such?

[Harry]

I read somewhere that sucking in your stomach causes back to round so my guess is to push it out.

[CF Training Valley]

VS, if you're not wearing a belt you could push out a bit, but with out it you risk pulling or tearing abdominal muscles and possibly worse. With a belt don't over tighten it, it can keep you from actually tightening your abs efficiently. Take a deep breath in, pulling in the stomach slightly, then tighten the belt. Don't tighten to the point it pulls your stomach in. Once the belt is tightened you can flex the abs while pushing out into the belt. Without a belt, the same idea applies, take a deep breath in to fill the lungs and tighten the midsection, while squatting tighten the abs like you're flexing them. Coming out of the squat exhale at the top. The spine should be presses forwards towards the belly button, curving inwards, chest pressed outwards and held up. The entire time the back should be flexed as well. These are some points that I use during my squats, front, back, or over head.

[vikingstrong]

Very good explanation. thank you. will be working on that alot. i never use a belt in training...only competition.