TEACHING THE PROPER SQUAT

“Maintain the squat, train the deadlift.” - Gray Cook, Doctor of Physical Therapy 

Watch any 2 year old squat down and play with a toy on the floor and you will see perfect form and balanced body mechanics. That is due to the toddler having loose ankles, an upright torso angle, heels flat on the floor, and knees over toes but fully bent. Gray Cook’s quote is referring to maintaining this perfect form through the lifespan as our legs grow and tendons tighten. If we could just keep kids squatting properly from toddlerhood through adolescence, they would be at much less risk for injury when they start hitting the weight room in high school or fighting stiffness through the aging process. Other countries that have cultural customs, religious practices, or have less conveniences suffer from less arthritis and age-related disability in their knees and spine. 

One of my main goals in training youth athletes is to teach the proper squat form as adolescents develop into adults. Many people, myself included, were taught that we should not squat lower than our thighs parallel to the floor. However, there is an abundance of research in the olympic weight lifting and cross-cultural studies to show that squatting below parallel is actually NOT bad for your knees. This myth continues to be spread through our culture causing increased reluctance for people to perform this important movement. There is a correct form which I will be teaching.

In the Youth Strength and Conditioning Program, athletes will learn: 

1. How to find their squat stance

   
   

2. What a full rep (repetition) requires for workouts

   
   

3. Different forms of squats with resistance

   
   

If these concepts are new to you and you would like to learn proper movement in a one-on-one session, visit the main website and click on "Book Now" to schedule a free consultation!

~ Dr. Meredith Bremner