Exercise Spotlight - The Barbell Back Squat

​The back squat is generally accepted as the hold standard of the squatting pattern. It allows for essentially unlimited load progression to continue to develop muscle and strength. It is suitable for most people but you should be comfortably able to squat your bodyweight, be familiar with the movement and have the requisite shoulder and hip mobility before you think about loading this movement. It is the king of building strong quads, glutes and overall lower body strength.

Exercise Suitability:
Beginners: ✔️
Advanced: ✔️
 
 
What are the key technique points?

• Find the stance that feels comfortable for you and allows you to move freely into the biggest range of movement (usually just outside shoulder width)
• Brace core (by breathing into belly) before moving and pay attention to back position as you move, don’t allow you back position to become compromised.
• Try to sit your hips straight down between your heels, keeping your chest up and core engaged.
• Stand back up, trying to keep your weight as balanced as possible and eliminating any forward lean

If you are unsure whether or not you are ready for the barbell back squat or would like me to take a look at your technique in person then you can contact me now.