SQUAT | DOWNSHIFT

Perfect for the deconditioned athlete or those recovering from an injury. This helps build flexibility, and strength in a controlled and safe environment. Can be used as a great warm up too!

Adding in the elevation of the front foot requires more flexibility in the hip with the working leg and can provide us with a more posterior chain focused movement. These could potentially show us the beginning requirements for a movement like a pistol for the working leg.

Benefits of this isometric variation show us if we meet both the flexibility and strength requirements needed for the working leg, AND take out the need for that in the non working leg. This easily allows us to identify if the issue of the bottom of the pistol is with the working leg, or with the “non working” when performing a regular pistol.

Again, a true open chain movement assuming that the “non working” leg is off the floor! This shows us the capacity to hit end range of motion in the pistol which requires hip and ankle flexibility on the working leg and hamstring flexibility and hip flexor strength on the “non working” leg. Perfect for warming up for the full movement.

The elevation of the rear foot will require more flexibility in the hip with the trail leg. This can help identify any limitations or imbalances we may see in other lunge variations as well as force us to have more loading on the working leg depending on the height of the rear foot.

The increased range of motion shows added requirements for flexibility and strength at a full range of motion. These are also a great drill for those looking to create more consistency, confidence and even strength in the movements like the split jerk.

The staggered stance provides us with an introduction into single leg work. These can help show imbalances in both single leg and hip strength/control. Showing favor both in the hold or as athletes return to a neutral position can help us gain further insight into any potential imbalances.

One of the best tools to help develop awareness and strength in the posterior chain when it comes to the squat. These should generally be performed in a slow and controlled environment to get the most out of the movement.