Squats are the bread and butter of lower-body exercises.
The key difference, however, is your stance.
Need help visualizing the lower-body exercise?
Photo: Jenna Brillhart
WatchRachel Mariotti, an NCSF-certified personal trainer in New York City, demonstrate the sumo squat below.
Clasp hands in front of chest.
C.On an exhale, press through feet to straighten legs and return to standing.
Here’s what to know.
The muscle group’s main function?
To provide lower-body stability.
The good news: Doing a few sets of sumo squats can help ease that tightness, says Partida.
“This is a great movement just to open those hips up,” she explains.
“That’s why I like to use this movement for people who have knee pain.”
(FTR, a traditional squat will primarily activate your glute maximus, she adds.)
This modification will help you become comfortable with the proper technique before adding in dynamic movement, she says.
Progression: Sumo Squat with Overhead Press
Ready to level up the bodyweight sumo squat?
Or, you could follow Mariotti’s lead and do an overhead press while in the squat position.
“Runners would benefit greatly from sumo squats just to help open up those hips,” she adds.
Trust, your legs will be glad you did.
Photography and art: Jenna BrillhartModel and fitness expert: Rachel MariottiWardrobe: SET Active
