Lateral Squat

animated character showing how to do a lateral squat exercise.

This combo move combines leg, lumbar, and hip flexor work to make you a real powerhouse! 

HOW TO DO IT:

  • Stand with legs spread as wide as is comfortable
  • Toes should be pointing slightly outward
  • Clasp your hands in front of your chest (or stick arms out in front for balance)
  • Keeping both feet flat on the ground, lean to your left
  • Push your butt back & bend the left leg to lower yourself to that side
  • Your torso will naturally bend down, that’s OK, but keep your spine straight
  • Lower yourself as far as you can, then slowly return to center
  • Now repeat on the right side
  • Keep alternating left, right, left, right…

MAKE IT COUNT:

  • Do as many as you can
  • Literally – don’t stop until you can’t safely complete another rep

MAKE IT EASIER:

  • Stand slightly less wide
  • Only squat down half way
  • Stand in front of a counter top and support yourself with your hands

MAKE IT HARDER:

  • Hold a dumbbell in your hands
  • Go slower
  • Hold for 2-3 seconds in the lowered position on each side
  • Stand wider to add a stretch

MAKE IT FUN:

  • Share this with a friend so you have a workout buddy!

PRACTICAL USES:

  • Side skipping
  • Hiking through uneven terrain
  • Mounting & dismounting a bicycle
  • Quickly scootching your office chair sideways for comedic effect
  • Darting around slow folks at the airport
  • Rollerblading
  • Speed skating
  • Slarving the pow

DISCLAIMER: To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise program, please consult a healthcare provider to ensure you are able to safely participate in this or any exercise program. All exercise programs carry some risk of injury.

If you engage in this exercise or exercise program and/or use any information provided by Squirrel Fitness, LLC, regardless of where or how you access it, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Squirrel Fitness, LLC, from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of your participation in activities with Squirrel Fitness, LLC.