Bodyweight Supported Squat
Master the squat with bodyweight support! This beginner-friendly exercise builds lower body strength and improves mobility safely, targeting your thighs
- Movement
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Per set
- 45s
- Rest
- 1 min
Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store
Variations of Bodyweight Supported Squat
Description
A squat exercise with bodyweight support, ideal for beginners or people with mobility issues. It mainly targets the lower body muscles.
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How to do Bodyweight Supported Squat
- 01Setup
Stand facing a sturdy support (e.g., door frame, TRX handles, railing) with feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward. Hold the support with both hands, arms extended, ensuring a stable grip.
- 02Setup
Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and core engaged, maintaining a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- 03
Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back and bending your knees, as if sitting into a chair, using the support to assist your descent.
- 04
Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as deep as your mobility allows without pain, keeping your heels grounded.
- 05
Exhale as you push through your heels and drive your hips forward to return to the starting standing position, maintaining tension in the support.
Tips
- Focus on controlled movement: Use the support for balance and assistance, but still actively engage your leg muscles; do not just hang from the support.
- Adjust support tension: Experiment with how much you pull on the support; a lighter grip challenges your legs more, while a firmer grip provides more assistance.
- Maintain an upright torso: Actively pull slightly on the support to help keep your chest lifted and prevent your torso from falling too far forward.
- Vary foot width: Adjust your foot stance slightly to find what feels most comfortable and stable for your individual hip and ankle mobility.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the lower back: Keep your core tight and chest lifted, using the support to maintain an upright posture and a neutral spine.
- Lifting heels off the ground: Ensure your weight stays distributed through your midfoot and heels; if your heels lift, reduce your squat depth.
- Relying too much on the support: Gradually reduce the amount of pull on the support over time to build independent leg strength and balance.
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Is Bodyweight Supported Squat good for beginners?
Bodyweight Supported Squat is rated beginner. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Bodyweight Supported Squat?
You need Body weight to perform Bodyweight Supported Squat. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Bodyweight Supported Squat?
Focus on controlled movement: Use the support for balance and assistance, but still actively engage your leg muscles; do not just hang from the support. Adjust support tension: Experiment with how much you pull on the support; a lighter grip challenges your legs more, while a firmer grip provides more assistance. Maintain an upright torso: Actively pull slightly on the support to help keep your chest lifted and prevent your torso from falling too far forward. Vary foot width: Adjust your foot stance slightly to find what feels most comfortable and stable for your individual hip and ankle mobility.
What are common mistakes when doing Bodyweight Supported Squat?
Rounding the lower back: Keep your core tight and chest lifted, using the support to maintain an upright posture and a neutral spine. Lifting heels off the ground: Ensure your weight stays distributed through your midfoot and heels; if your heels lift, reduce your squat depth. Relying too much on the support: Gradually reduce the amount of pull on the support over time to build independent leg strength and balance.
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Routines with Bodyweight Supported Squat
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Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store