Not Ass to Grass
We’ve all heard ass to grass, feet shoulder width apart, and all the classic cues. But the truth is, every person’s squat will look a little bit different.
These are the cues I use that help me get a safe and effective squat, every time. (And a cute Gymshark outfit doesn’t hurt.)
1️⃣ Position yourself like you’re about to squat down and pick something heavy up off the floor
2️⃣ Stack your ribs over your hips
3️⃣ Tuck your elbow under your shoulders
4️⃣Bear down like you’re pushing
5️⃣ Keep the bar in a straight vertical line
6️⃣ Lower as far as you can keep that form
7️⃣ Push the ground away like you’re in a leg press
What are your favorite cues?
When it comes to effective squats, form is key. Each person may adapt their squat based on their body mechanics, but implementing foundational cues can enhance both performance and safety. 1️⃣ **Start Strong**: Position yourself as if about to lift a heavy object from the floor. This engages the right muscles from the get-go. 2️⃣ **Align Your Body**: Ensure your ribs are stacked over your hips to maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on your back. 3️⃣ **Elbow Positioning**: Tuck your elbows under your shoulders, which not only stabilizes the bar but also keeps your shoulders safe. 4️⃣ **Strengthening the Core**: When you bear down as if pushing out air, you activate your core, which is crucial for maintaining balance and control during a squat. 5️⃣ **Vertical Bar Path**: Focus on keeping the barbell in a straight vertical line to ensure weight distribution is optimal. 6️⃣ **Depth Matters**: Lower yourself as far as your form allows without compromising your safety. Not everyone will squat 'ass to grass', and that’s perfectly fine! 7️⃣ **Push Through**: As you rise, think of pushing the ground away from you like in a leg press. This generates more power for an effective lift. Incorporating these cues can lead to noticeable improvements in your squat, helping to maximize your workout benefits while minimizing the risk of injuries.
