Finding The Best Squat Stance

To find the best squat stance for you, you'll just do 3 squats in 4 different stances. Experiment with different stances to see which feels the most comfortable and allows you to squat the deepest.

Those stances are:

• Feet hip width part, toes pointing forward

• Feet hip width apart, toes pointing out at 45 degrees

• Feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward

• Feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing out at 45 degrees

Whichever stance feels the most comfortable is the most ideal stance for you!

A few important side notes:

• This test is just a starting point; continue tinkering with how far apart your feet are and how far your toes point out to find the most ideal stance for you.

• If after doing this test you realize you have been squatting a different way for your whole life, it is important not to think that you were squatting “wrong” this whole time. Perhaps it was not ideal, but we certainly don’t want to assume that the way you were squatting decreased performance or contributed to pain or injuries you may have suffered in the past.

• Squatting with different stances from time to time is still a great way to build and maintain strength and mobility. After all, we evolved to move in many different ways, at many different angles, in many different planes. Just remember to consider (and likely decrease) load, volume, and range of motion when switching it up.

• Think of your potentially newfound squat stance as your homebase which will likely facilitate your greatest performance in the gym.

Reference IG video for more information: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B99p8IADeZ-/?igshid=79elvs1fupnv

By Jacob Albritton