If you haven’t done a squat since high school gym class—or if the idea of squatting makes your knees or back start to worry—you’re not alone.
The truth is, most people don’t think about squats until they become a challenge: getting off the couch, standing up from the floor, picking something up without strain. That’s when we start to realize… squatting isn’t just exercise. It’s real life.
At Woodshed, we meet you where you are. And when it comes to the squat, that might mean starting small, adjusting for your body, and focusing on confidence—not depth.
What is a squat?
At its core, a squat is simply bending your knees and hips to lower your body down, then standing back up. It mimics getting out of a chair, lifting something from the ground, or bracing yourself on a downhill walk.
Why does it matter?
When done correctly, squats help you:
- Build leg and hip strength
- Support your knees and lower back
- Improve balance and coordination
- Feel more confident getting up, down, and around in daily life
How to start (even if it’s been a while):
- Start with a chair.
- Sit down and stand up without using your hands.
- If that feels tough, raise the seat or use a cushion to make it easier.
- Feet flat, chest up.
- Keep your feet about hip-to-shoulder width.
- Look straight ahead, and keep your chest lifted as you sit back.
- Use support.
- Hold onto a counter, TRX strap, or the back of a sturdy chair to help you stay balanced.
- Don’t worry about how low you go.
- A shallow squat done well is better than a deep squat done poorly.
- You’re building strength—not checking boxes.
Pay attention to:
- Controlled movement
- Upright posture
- Feet staying flat on the ground
What if squatting still feels tough?
We’ve got options. You might start with wall sits, supported holds, or leg presses instead. We build from what you can do—not what Instagram says you should.
You don’t need to be able to squat like an athlete. You just need to move better today than you did yesterday.
At Woodshed, we help adults rebuild strength, one step at a time. If you’re ready to get started, let’s talk.