4. LOOKING TOO FAR UPWARDS
In general human movements, we normally look in the direction that we would like to travel. With chest-to-bar pull ups, for example, I bet you look at the bar and the space above – and not the floor below – when you perform the exercise. With the squat, it is important to look forwards.
If your gaze is turned too far upwards, you may put huge amounts of pressure on your upper back by curving the cervical portion of the spine. This also puts unnecessary pressure on your neck as you crane upwards to watch a fixed point above your eye level.
SOLUTION:
- Ideally, you want to establish a neutral position for your back, which can be achieved by looking forwards. This will help to keep the upper back tight and prevent you from buckling under the weight.
