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
- Stand with the feet wider than shoulder-width and the toes turned slightly outward.
Do the rep
- Bend the hips and knees to lower between the feet.
- Keep the whole foot planted as the hip crease passes below the top of the knee.
- 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.
Train it in Allena
Allena plans your week around the days you can train, logs every set, and coaches your form from the camera.
Get the app