The Squat to Stand with Overhead Reach is my favorite mobility exercises, one that I do every single time before I Squat, Deadlift and even Bench. There are 2 things you'll achieve by including Squat to Stands in your warm-up routine:
- One, you will boost your hip mobility (stretches hamstrings & adductors) so you can Squat deeper and even eliminate nagging back or knee pain.
- Two, you'll increase your thoracic mobility (upper-back/chest). This helps achieving the low bar Squat position while improving your posture.
Watch the video of the Squat to Stand with Overhead Reach below (the guy in this video is Tony Gentilcore CSCS who Deadlifts over 550lbs).
3 Squat to Stands Technique Tips. Do 2 sets of 8 reps as part of your warm-up. I also do reps between my Squat sets afterwards. You can never do too much mobility work, you will only gain flexibility and perform better on your Squat.
- Force Your Knees Out. Your stance should be wider than shoulder-width. Grab your toes and Squat down while pushing your knees out. Push your elbows gently against your knees to increase the stretch.
- Keep Your Chest Up. Same technique as for Squats: you do NOT let your chest sack in. Instead, you keep your chest up and your head inline with your spine (not looking at your feet or at the ceiling).
- Hold At The Top. Tony isn't doing this in the video, but when you reach overhead you should hold the position for 1 second before coming back down. Don't force the stretch, but don't rush it either.
For more exercises to improve your hip mobility for Squats, check out Eric Cressey's Show & Go system. Eric is a bestselling author with a 650lb Deadlift so he knows what he's talking about. Heck, his product comes with a 60 day iron-clad money back guarantee and you currently get $70 off (almost half).
