Split Squat Phases

progression checklist

split squat

MARKERS OF CONTROL

POSTURAL CONTROL WITH RACK POSITIONS

pain

  • No pain is felt during the movement that is deemed unsafe

  • If unsure, err on the side of not progressing

breath control

  • Option 1 (lighter lifts)

    • Inhale on the way down, exhale on the way up

  • option 2 (heavier lifts)

    • Inhale while in split-standing

    • Hold the inhale as you lower down and as you initiate the transition back upward (through the “sticking point” or hardest part of the movement)

    • Exhale as you return to split-standing

postural control

  • Do not progress if any of the following compensations occur

    • All split Squat Patterns

      • The front knee or foot collapses inward excessively

      • The back knee wobbles inward or outward excessively

      • An excessively flexed spine at any point through the movement

      • The body hinges forward when descending

      • The head and/or chin are pushed forward excessively

    • Goblet/Kettlebell front-loaded split Squats

      • The elbows flare out excessively

      • The kettlebell(s) moves upward, downward, or away from the body excessively

impact control

  • No Collapsing - when lowering the knee to a pad or the ground, light contact is made