Squats are a beloved exercise because they are so effective at training the entire body. Indeed, they build strength, muscle, coordination, and boost your metabolism. However, there is something even more important to know about squats: They are a fundamental movement pattern and your ability—or inability—to execute them flawlessly is a good indicator of how well your body is moving overall.
What A Quality Squat Looks Like
The first thing you need to know are the basics. For that, check out this 27 second video.
What If Your Squat Doesn’t Look Like That?
If you are unable to achieve the position, there may be a variety of reasons. The most common are stiffness and immobility in joints like the hips, shoulders, and ankles. A lack of strength and/or coordination often plays a part as well. Some people can’t perform a squat for other unchangeable reasons, such as variations in the shape of joints. However, no matter what the reason, there are usually at least some things that can be done to improve the situation. Mobility drills, active and passive stretching, strength training, and good old fashioned practice will help. And all that effort, by the way, will boost your overall health and fitness in its own right.
Physcial therapists, personal trainers, and strength coaches can help you identifiy which areas to work on and help you prioritize them.