The Squat 2 - Standing squat

Why are squats good for you? They build strength and stability around the knee joint. They are very functional exercises because you are weight-bearing and they require similar muscle activation as is needed in standing from sitting, going upstairs, walking and running. They can strengthen the gluteal (bottom) and abdominal muscles. Squat exercises can be beneficial for the following issues: Rehab from knee pain, injury, or pathology (e.g. OA knee, cruciate or collateral ligament injuries, 'runners' knee, etc) Improving the ability to stand independently from a chair and improve stair climbing activity for those who struggle with such movements. Useful as part of an ankle, hip or spinal rehab program. Improving lower limb biomechanics. Improving strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. Improve strength and functional control of the abdominal muscles. Can be used in improving balance and proprioception. I have done 4 separate videos. Some of you may like to start with video 1, others of you with video 2. You need to develop good control, so no 'wobbling' of the knee for a good 10 repetitions before you progress to video 3 or having a play with video 4. Video 1: Sitting to standing exercise. Video 2: Standing squat. Video 3: Standing squat progression. Video 4: The plie squat. Top tips: ⭐ It is better to do a very mini squat, keeping the knee in a steady (not wobbly) plane of movement over the ankle, rather than trying to squat deeper and losing that control. Over time you should find you can build to doing bigger/deeper squats. With control! ⭐ Doing your squats in front of a long mirror may help you keep an eye on your knee alignment. ⭐ You must not squat into pain as this will inhibit your muscles from contracting correctly. Stop short of pain. Low-level discomfort is ok if it settles soon after exercising. Of course, any questions please ask. If you want to send me a video of you doing the exercises to check you're doing them correctly I'd love to help! Enjoy these exercises. Squat type exercises can be extremely beneficial as you can work so many muscle groups. They are a good foundation before doing lunges too.