Side to Side Squats

Starting Posture

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms relaxed by your sides.

How to Exercise

Step out to the side with your right foot, bending your right knee and lowering your body into a squat position. Keep your left leg straight and your weight centered. Push through your right foot to return to the starting position. Repeat on the left side. Continue alternating sides for a set number of repetitions.

Breath Control

Inhale as you lower into the squat position and exhale as you push through your foot to return to the starting position.

Common errors

Common errors include leaning to one side, rounding the back, and shifting the weight to the toes. Make sure to maintain proper form throughout the entire movement.

Weights

You can add weights by holding dumbbells at your sides or using a kettlebell or a medicine ball for added resistance.

Grips

Variations

For a more challenging variation, perform side to side squats while holding a weight (dumbbell, kettlebell, or medicine ball). You can also increase the speed of the movement to add a cardio element.

Comments and tips

Focus on keeping your chest lifted and your core engaged throughout the exercise. Make sure to press through your heel as you return to the starting position. If you have any knee pain, reduce the depth of your squat or use a smaller range of motion.

Cautions

Avoid letting your knees collapse inward or extending past your toes. Do not bend forward at the waist or round your back during the squat.