squat

Take Your Squat to New Levels – Part 2

In the Gym

Previously, we discussed the decisions you have to make when adding squats into your routine. I answered some of the most common questions that will prepare you for the best squatting workout. In this post I’ll be discussing the finer details of performing the squat itself.

Although anyone can learn how to squat from a Youtube video, the devil is in the detail.

Was there something I didn’t cover? Let me know!

Table of Contents

How Should I Warm Up for Squats?

When preparing for squats, you should focus on mobility for the ankles, hips, and back. You can dedicate more focus to the areas you struggle with. I have attached a sample warm-up, including variations for back and front squats.

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Continue ReadingTake Your Squat to New Levels – Part 2

Take Your Squat to New Levels – Part 1

Whenever I take someone through a new gym programme for the first time, I find myself wishing there was a resource I could direct them to with all the information they need on each element of their training. This is my attempt at creating such a resource for the squat. If it’s well-received I will make similar guides for other exercises.

This won’t be a step-by-step guide through the act of squatting. This would be much better demonstrated in a video, not to mention the fact that writing 1000+ words about squatting would probably make it easier to overthink the exercise. Instead, I’ll be focussing on those nitty-gritty decisions that will get the most out of your squat workout.

Part 1: Before You Squat

This part will focus on things you should know about squatting before you even set foot in the gym. Part 2 will be focussed on things you need to know to get the most out of your squatting session.

Table of Contents
  1. Part 1: Before You Squat
    1. Why Should I Squat?
    2. What Muscles Are Worked by the Squat?
    3. Am I Ready to Squat?
    4. How Low Should I Squat?
    5. Squatting to Parallel
    6. “But When I Try To Squat Low, I Feel Like I’m Going to Fall Over…”
    7. Do I Need to Be Completely Upright?
    8. Do I Need Weightlifting Shoes?
    9. Should I Squat Barefoot?
    10. What Kind of Squat Should I Do?
    11. But Aren’t Squats Bad for My Knees?

Why Should I Squat?

It’s a fundamental movement pattern, which means it is a blueprint for a number of other key movements such as:

  • Sitting and standing;
  • Jumping and landing;
  • Decelerating suddenly from a forward sprint;

Any task that requires moving up and down using our legs!

Squatting and Jumping
By Fabio Jock on Unsplash
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Continue ReadingTake Your Squat to New Levels – Part 1