Sissy Squats

Technique

Setup

Stand tall beside a wall or door frame and hold it lightly with one hand. Set your feet hip-width apart and rise onto the balls of your feet.

Movement

Bend your knees and let them travel forward while you lean your torso back, keeping a straight line from knees to shoulders. Lower until you feel a strong stretch through the front of your thighs, then drive your knees back to stand tall.

Form Tip

Keep your hips extended and glutes squeezed the whole way; folding at the hips turns it into an ordinary squat. Only go as deep as your knees stay pain-free.

Increase Difficulty

Lower further toward the floor, slow the descent to 3 seconds, or let go of the support.

Decrease Difficulty

Shorten the range, or hold the support with both hands and use them to help yourself back up.