Should've specified. Meant more around the lines that you can build a strong lower body without back squats, and that you can learn proper form (keep chest tight, don't round your back etc) without putting a barbell on your shoulders.
For me, I hit a PR of 405 for one rep on squats in my early 20s with likely bad form. Couple weeks later, did a warmup set w/ a quality belt and felt a pull in my back.
3 years later, I'm foam rolling/modified yoga every morning and night to keep the 3mm separations on every disc from causing me massive pain.
Tl;dr version - don't gotta jump into heavy back squats and don't ego lift, slow and steady or you will pay the price.
For me, I hit a PR of 405 for one rep on squats in my early 20s with likely bad form. Couple weeks later, did a warmup set w/ a quality belt and felt a pull in my back.
3 years later, I'm foam rolling/modified yoga every morning and night to keep the 3mm separations on every disc from causing me massive pain.
Tl;dr version - don't gotta jump into heavy back squats and don't ego lift, slow and steady or you will pay the price.