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Direction-of-travel diagram for the squat pattern. Photography for the Wide-Stance Bodyweight Squat is not shot yet.
CalisthenicsIn review

Wide-Stance Bodyweight Squat

A bodyweight squat with the feet wider than shoulder-width.

This page is a working draft. A coach has not reviewed it, so read it as a starting point, not as checked instruction.

Pattern
Squat
Modality
Calisthenics
Difficulty
Beginner
Mechanic
Unknown
Force
Unknown
Laterality
Bilateral
Impact
Low
Trains where
Gym, Home
At home
Yes

How to do it

Set up

  1. Stand with the feet wider than shoulder-width and the toes turned slightly outward.

Do the rep

  1. Bend the hips and knees to lower between the feet.
  2. Keep the whole foot planted as the hip crease passes below the top of the knee.
  3. Push through both feet to stand with the hips and knees straight.

What counts as a rep

One rep lowers the hip crease below the top of the knee and returns to a full stand with both feet planted.

One rep lowers the hip crease below the top of the knee and returns to a full stand with both feet planted.

Breathing

Breathe in as you lower; exhale as you stand.

Cues

  • Knees follow the toes.
  • Keep the heels down.
  • Stand tall at the top.

Common mistakes

  • Knees moving inward

    What you seeThe knees move inside the line of the feet.

    FixUse a comfortable stance and keep the knees over the toes.

    This keeps the knees aligned with the feet.

  • Heels lifting

    What you seeThe heels leave the floor at the bottom.

    FixReduce the stance width or depth until the whole foot stays planted.

    A planted foot provides a stable base.

Stop the set if

  • Stop if you feel sharp pain.
  • Stop if you lose balance.
  • End the set when you cannot control the descent.

General educational content, not individual coaching or medical advice.

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