21/10/2020
Squats Last Part: My Top 3 Alternatives
Although squats are a great exercise for improving knee stability, for some individuals, the compressive forces that the squat places on the lower back make it uncomfortable to perform the exercise for prolonged periods. For these individuals, some devices may provide variety to keep the legs growing big and strong with minimal stress on the lower back.
1️⃣ My all-time favorite is the Hack squat:
🎥 N°1 is the hack squat demonstration.
The angeled machine has you in a standing position, safely supporting the weight while you rely on your legs to do the movement. The key with hack squats is to get as low as possible. With too much load on the machine, you will have a hard time reaching that depth. Focus on correcting your form first, then add some weight.
A little tip: to put more emphasis on the quads bring your feet together in a narrow position and always keep your back tight to the machine.
🎥 N°2 shows you how to apply the tip above.
3️⃣ Another alternative is the split squat:
There are many variations of the split squat. The most famous ones are barbell split squats and Bulgarian split squats
🎥 N°3 is the demonstration.
I chose the Bulgarian version because it allows you to reach greater depth. When properly performed, it should make you sore not only in the glutes but also in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and adductors.
3️⃣ Last but not least, Lunges:
🎥 N°4 is the demonstration.
It is a great alternative that you should incorporate in your leg sessions. They target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. You will put most of your weight on your front leg and use your back leg to balance, stabilize, and support your entire body. Make sure that you keep your back straight for the whole set. They are also a better choice than bilateral exercises (exercises that works two sides simultaneously) for rehabilitation since they correct imbalances and misalignments in your body to make it more symmetrical.