Form on squats

[EarSlaps]

I'm trying to improve the form on my squats and get really nice and low. Normally if I try and go parallel I can't keep my balance and I topple backwards.

However if I hold some dumbbells in front of my chest then I can seem to keep my balance and get lower.

It is ok to do that? Most places say to get your form correct before adding weights. But however much I try it I just can't seem to get low without them.

Are there any good exercises to stretch out whichever muscles are too tight to let me get a good squat? I seem to be quite tight around the lower back and pelvis.

maybe try with your legs slightly further apart to help you get lower

Wider legs is a bit better but I still end up wobbling and toppling backwards. I tried putting my arms in front too but that doesn't seem to work as well as clutching dumbbells.

Maybe there's something psychological in holding onto something that makes me fell more stable, a bit like when you hold your ear if standing on one leg.

Squats can be tricky much depends on individual biomecanics, the short of leg tend to have better form.

Sounds like holding a weight is shifting your center of gravity in a way that makes squatting easier for you

I have a long body and short legs, maybe the excess of body makes me over balance . I tried holding something light to see if it was psychological but the heavier the weight the better I squat. I can't ever imagine doing really deep squats but I'll keep trying.

I know I need to improve my flexibility around my hips and lower back but I have no patience for yoga.

I can do deep squats in heels but they're not good for the rest of my workouts .

I can do deep squats in heels
perhaps ankle flexibility is what you need?

I have a long body and short legs
perfect weight lifters physique!

Try leaning forward a bit (with your bum sticking out a bit, straight back, knees in right position).
There's a great book about basic weight lifting exercises - Starting Strength. It's kind of theoretical because every single aspect of a lift is explained in details (biomechanical, physiological) but after reading it you can be confident that your form is correct. The whole book covers only I think 6 lifts, so very detailed, but no question is left unanswered.

Yes my ankle flexibility is awful- I can't get my knees in front of my toes so at least I don't risk injuring myself that way. Probably also one reason I am crap at skiing!

I might have a good body for weightlifting but I certainly haven't got the muscles. I struggle to do shoulder presses with 5kg dumbbells I'm so puny! My legs are ok for strength but my arms and shoulders are weak. I can at least do proper push ups now. I'm really trying to build a bit of muscle now and improve my strength.

That book sounds great Buba. I really try to make sure my form is good, I'd rather stick with the wimpy weights than try and lift to heavy and risk bad form. I haven't been to a gym in ages but I used to hate seeing people doing anything they could to lift as much as possible. I've always tried to focus on the muscles I'm using and go slow.

there are other ways of working your legs, some people just dont get on with squats, eg lunges, bulgarian split squat
(all can be found on good ole you tube)

You said you can squat in heels try doing elevated squats feet need to be on a kerb sort of level.