How to perform Bodyweight Pistol Squat with proper form
Starting Position
- Stand on one leg with your other leg extended in front of you.
- Keep your core engaged and your chest up.
Descent
- Initiate the squat by sitting back and bending the knee of the standing leg.
- Extend the other leg forward, keeping it straight and parallel to the floor.
- Lower your body as far as you can while maintaining balance.
Depth
- Aim to go down to at least parallel, with your knee over your ankle.
- Ensure your torso leans slightly forward to maintain balance.
Ascent
- Push through the heel of the standing leg to rise back up.
- Engage your glutes and hamstrings as you lift.
- Maintain control throughout the movement, avoiding any jerky motions.
Tips for Proper Form
- Keep your knee aligned with your toes during the squat.
- Use your arms for balance; extend them in front of you as needed.
- Practice with supported variations (e.g., using a wall or TRX) if full pistol squats are challenging.
Common Mistakes
- Allowing the knee to collapse inward.
- Losing balance by leaning too far forward or backward.
- Neglecting to engage the core, which can lead to instability.
Remember to focus on control, balance, and form throughout the movement.
Exercises
Ab Wheel, Bodyweight
Type: Core
Target: Abs
Synergist: Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Back, Chest
Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back
Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings
Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings
Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs
Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Bench Dip, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Back, Chest
Bench Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps
Bench Press Close Grip, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest
Bench Press Close Grip, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest