10/06/2026
Not every squat will look the same.
Women’s hip and pelvis structure is different to men’s. A wider pelvis creates a larger angle from the hip through the kneecap to the shin, which changes the line of pull through the quads. That affects how deep a squat can go, how the knee tracks and where load is distributed.
This means the depth, stance and set up that works for one person may not work for another, and anatomy is a big reason why.
Research shows women are 2 to 8 times more likely to sustain an ACL injury than men (International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2021), and the anatomy of the hip and knee is a contributing factor.
This is why strength training for women should include targeted accessory work to support knee health.
Exercises that strengthen the inner quad, build stability around the joint and activate the glute medius (which keeps the knees tracking outward instead of collapsing in) is essential.
Targeted exercises with lighter loads that address specific areas of weakness can make a bigger difference to how you move and how your joints hold up.
When you address these areas properly, the benefits go beyond the gym.
Stronger, more stable knees mean fewer injuries and greater confidence in how you move daily.
