Squatting is one of our primal movements, you may not think about it but we all do variations of squats throughout the day which can be as simple as sitting down and standing up. Squatting correctly requires a great deal of coordination, balance plus hip and ankle mobility.
There is no doubt squats are one of the best exercises you can do to build strength and muscle. You can be doing more harm than good if you don’t take the time to perfect your squat form.
Below is a video going over fixes for common squat faults.
Bad hip flexibility is one of the biggest barriers which inhibits individuals from squatting properly. Your hip flexors are responsible for flexion (drawing you closer to the midline of your body). When your hip flexors are too tight it will cause you to lean forward, and also impact the depth of your squat.
Can’t squat past 90 degrees?
Check your calf mobility. If you have tight calves they will not be able to lengthen enough for you to comfortable squat with your heels on the floor which sometimes contributes to the squat fault of placing more weight on your toes.
Vertical shins helps you to activate your glutes better, when your knees inch forward the squat will become more quad dominant and it will take away from your glutes.
If you are placing more weight on your toes and coming off of your heels, your knees will push forward. you will not be able to keep your pelvis in a good position and maintain vertical shins. As a result it will take away your glutes from the exercise.
All of your muscles have to work together properly in order to have an effective squat. Be sure to stretch and mobilize your hips, ankles and calves and you will start to see improvements in your squat!
