Is wide leg stance acceptable for squatting?

Take a wider stance when squatting, such as 140-150 percent of shoulder width. This allows for greater posterior displacement of the hips. This displacement activates the glutes to a greater degree than narrow squats when depth is reached, according to research from the University of Abertay, in Dundee, Scotland.

Does it matter what shoes you wear to squat?

However, unless you plan to compete in those lifts, it’s not strictly necessary to wear squat shoes while performing them. And on some exercises, like deadlifts, you always should wear flat shoes, unless you are intentionally performing a variation that calls for raised heels.

Is a narrow squat stance bad?

Allowing for knees to travel more forward does put more stress on the knees but so long as the training loads are suited to your abilities, this is not dangerous. So long as individuals do not have pre-existing knee pain or knee injuries, they are fine to squat with a narrow stance and let their knees go forward.

Can you squat more with a wide stance?

A wider stance will result in greater engagement of the muscles around the hips. The gluteal group and inner thigh muscles come alive in the wide stance version of the squat, while the quadriceps recruitment is reduced. Conversely, a narrower stance increases quadriceps recruitment and minimizes hip muscle involvement.

What do wide stance squats target?

What shoes should I wear for squatting?

No one can tell you what shoe you should wear. Even if we knew exactly how you squat, there is no way of knowing. The shoe you wear squatting is largely a personal preference. With that said, most powerlifters use an inclined heel shoe. The one I see the most is the Nike Romaleos.

How deep should your squat stance be?

An effective squat is a deep squat – hips just below parallel with the top of the patellas. You’ve all seen the diagrams, and everybody is familiar with the concept. What may be unclear is the effect an incorrect stance width has on depth.

What is an effective squat?

by Mark Rippetoe | December 10, 2019 An effective squat is a deep squat – hips just below parallel with the top of the patellas. You’ve all seen the diagrams, and everybody is familiar with the concept. What may be unclear is the effect an incorrect stance width has on depth.

What happens if your squat stance is too wide?

Too wide a stance tightens the adductors – the groin muscles – prematurely, before full depth is achieved. This prevents the rest of the hip musculature from getting recruited over its optimal ROM, thus preventing its full involvement in the squat.