Form > weight. Always. Wrong form = lower back lift, not glutes.
1
"Hips back, not down"Push hips behind you like closing a drawer. This is NOT a squat.
2
"Soft knees, not squatting"Slight bend only. Knees stay almost still as hips push back.
3
"Bar close to legs"Slides down thighs/shins. If it drifts away β form broke.
4
"Stretch in hamstrings, not lower back"Stop when you feel deep pull in back of legs β not when back starts working.
β
Correct feel: hamstring burn + glute stretch at bottom + stable lower back
1
Chin tucked, eyes forwardLooking at ceiling shifts load to lower back.
2
Squeeze at the TOP β hold 1 secDon't just bounce the reps.
3
Feet flat, shins vertical at topNot too close, not too far. Test and adjust.
4
Drive through heelsFeel glutes β not quads, not hamstrings.
β οΈ Lower back feels it more than glutes β reduce weight immediately