Half Squats

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, Glutes

Spotter Required:Yes

Minimum Equipment required: Standard barbell with weights and a squat stand

The Best Equipment to Use: Olympic weights and a smith machine or a power rack

Warming up: To warm up, perform 1 set of 15 - 20 repetitions with a light to moderate weight

How often should I perform this exercise: Squatting is a compound exercise and although it can be performed with every leg workout its probably best to mix it with another leg exercise such as the leg press

When should I perform this exercise: Squatting uses a lot of energy so it’s best to perform it at the start of your leg workout. Personally I warm my legs up with leg extensions then I move onto squats

How to do the exercise: Holding the barbell with a grip just wider than shoulder width. Stand firmly with your legs shoulder width apart and your toes pointing slightly outwards.

Lower your body until your legs reach 90 degrees, keeping your head neutral with the spine (looking forwards) and back straight make sure your knees never go in front of your ankles as this can put pressure on your knee joints.

As you push up make sure you drive upwards from your heels to resume original standing position. Remember always Inhale on the way down and exhale as you push up.

Mentality: Because squatting is a compound exercise it requires great concentration, a good tip which we find effective is closing your eyes and image yourself lifting the weight before you actually perform the squat. Do not be put off by the weight. It can sometimes be intimidating to see a 6 or 7ft bar with big weights on it, as long as you know the weight is manageable and safe to lift you have no reason to worry.

Always make sure you perform squats supervised and with the appropriate equipment. Squatting is a compound exercise, improper technique could cause serious injury, never sacrifice technique by overloading weights.

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