Learning how to do a squat appropriately can positively influence your ability to perform functional movements outside of the gym or training setting. When you think about your daily routine, you can quickly start to see how the squat is one of the most-used movements—whether you are standing up from a chair or bed, getting low to pick up something from the ground, or getting off the toilet. For that reason, a common functional exercise prescribed by many health professionals is the body weighted squat.
Ascending and descending from a squat position engages a large amount of major muscle groups. Proper technique is important to maximize the movement and avoid injury. In this article, Bob Tran, registered massage therapist, provides suggestions on how to do a squat optimally for you by determining your ideal foot angle and foot width when attempting these movements.
How To Do a Squat – Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Foot Angle
View this post on Instagram
Bob Tran shares some insight into finding the ideal squat stance that works with your body the best. A simple way to determine your ideal and most comfortable foot and hip angle for squatting can be achieved in a few simple steps. Check it out below!
- Stand up tall.
- Put palms/ hands by hips.
- Palpate and look for greater trochanter of the femur (sides of hips, boney prominence).
- Lift one foot.
- Turn that leg in and out (internal/external rotation), until you feel the angle that makes that boney greater trochanter easiest to palpate (feel).
- Are your feet straight? Are they pointing inwards? Are they pointing outwards?
If you feel uncomfortable squatting in your ideal foot stance, drop us a line and let us know! We will be more than happy to help!
How To Do a Squat – Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Foot Width
Bob Tran shares some insight into why people may differ in their preferred width of their stance during their squats. If you’re trying to figure out your ideal width of foot placement that will provide you with the most mobility, check out this set up that takes into account hip flexion and external rotation at the femur.
- Laying on your back, bring one bent knee to chest to achieve maximal hip flexion.
- With the same leg, provide an external rotation to the hip, while it is fully flexed (knee is still close to chest). Stop at a position where the hip sinks in comfortably. Be sure not to torque at the knee joint.
- Keep leg in that position (you can use your hands for assistance).
- Repeat on opposite leg.
- Measure distance between feet (partner required).
If you feel uncomfortable squatting in your ideal foot width, drop us a line and let us know! We will be more than happy to help!
Note: Please note that these procedures are estimates only and do not take into account any injuries, compensations, of instabilities of the body. If you are unsure, or these movements are causing discomfort, please contact us and we will get you assessed immediately!
Written by
