Squat Form and Modifications

Squat Form and Modifications:

1. Start with the client or patient assuming good standing form/posture:
   • 2nd toe pointing forward and under the ASIS
   • Ankles, knees, and hips in alignment
   • Pelvis neutral (absence of anterior or posterior pelvic tilt)
   • Torso, scapula, and head in neutral alignment
2. Once a good standing posture has been established, have the client or patient descend by “sitting straight down” while attempting to maintain the angle of the tibia and torso close to parallel.
3. Once your patient/client has achieved the bottom position, have them perform the drawing-in maneuver, “squeeze” their glutes, and attempt to thrust their hips forward to attain the original standing posture.
4. Cue your patient/client to achieve full hip and terminal knee extension (just short of locking the knees).
5. At the top of the squat, have your client perform a “form/posture check” and make any necessary adjustments.
6. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Regressions and Progressions

• Strength: Increase load
• Stability: Add unstable loads or unstable surfaces
• Exercise Regressions: Assisted squats, ball wall squats, leg press machine
• Exercise Progressions: Step-ups, lunges, single-leg squats