Why Is My Squat So Weak? 5 Fixes You Need Now

Feeling frustrated because the barbell seems glued to the rack? Powerlifter Mark Rippetoe says a strong squat builds overall strength, but sometimes, progress stalls. Maybe you’re wondering, “Why is my squat so weak?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many lifters using the Starting Strength program hit plateaus. The good news is, usually, a few tweaks can get you back on track to squatting like a boss at your local Gold’s Gym.

Unleashing Your Squat Potential

The squat. It’s more than just an exercise; it’s a fundamental human movement.

Think about it: we squat to pick things up, to sit down, and even to play with kids. In the gym, the squat is the bedrock of strength and athleticism.

Why the Squat is King

Squats are unparalleled in their ability to build lower body strength, power, and overall athleticism. They engage a multitude of muscle groups simultaneously.

From your quads and hamstrings to your glutes and core, the squat is a true full-body exercise.

But simply going through the motions isn’t enough. To truly unlock the potential of the squat, you need to understand proper technique and approach it with knowledge.

Technique is Everything

Let’s be real: a poorly executed squat is an invitation for injury. Improper form can place undue stress on your knees, back, and other joints.

It’s essential to master the correct technique to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks. This is also how we truly unlock our athletic potential.

That’s why we’re diving deep into proper squat form. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need.

A Roadmap to Squat Mastery

We’re not just throwing information at you. This is a structured approach to help you understand the squat inside and out.
Think of this as your go-to resource for all things squat-related.

What will we cover, you ask?

• Key Concepts: We’ll break down the essential elements of a perfect squat, from mobility to core stability.
• Expert Insights: We’ll tap into the wisdom of renowned strength and conditioning coaches, sharing their unique perspectives and actionable advice.
• Squat Variations: We’ll explore different squat variations and how to choose the right ones for your individual goals and body type.
• Programming: We’ll provide you with the principles and strategies you need to design an effective squat program that delivers results.

Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, this guide has something for you. Let’s unlock your squat potential together!

The Foundation: Why Squat? Understanding the Benefits

The squat. It’s more than just an exercise; it’s a fundamental human movement.

Think about it: we squat to pick things up, to sit down, and even to play with kids.

In the gym, the squat is the bedrock of strength and athleticism.

Why the Squat is King? Let’s dive into why you should make friends with the squat rack.

The Strength and Athleticism Powerhouse

Squats aren’t just about building bigger legs; they’re about building a stronger, more athletic you.

The benefits go way beyond aesthetics.

When you squat, you’re engaging nearly every muscle in your lower body, and that translates to real-world power.

Think about running faster, jumping higher, and feeling more confident in your everyday movements.

Unleashing the Posterior Chain

Here’s where the magic happens: the posterior chain.

This refers to the powerful muscles on the back of your body – your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

Squats are masters at activating these muscles.

Why is this important?

A strong posterior chain is crucial for:

• Power: It’s the engine behind explosive movements.
• Stability: It keeps your spine safe and supported.
• Injury Prevention: Strong glutes and hamstrings protect your knees and lower back.

By prioritizing squats, you are investing in the health and strength of your entire posterior chain.

The Full-Body Ripple Effect

Squats don’t just stop at your legs and back; they create a ripple effect throughout your entire body.

Here’s how:

Core Strength

To squat heavy, you need a rock-solid core.

Squats force you to engage your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine, leading to a stronger, more resilient core.

This translates to better posture, improved balance, and increased power in other exercises.

Balance and Coordination

Squats demand balance and coordination.

You’re constantly adjusting your body to maintain proper form and control the weight.

This improves your proprioception (your body’s awareness in space), making you more agile and coordinated in all aspects of life.

Functional Movement

Squats mimic everyday movements like sitting, standing, and lifting objects.

By strengthening the muscles involved in these movements, squats make you more functional and resilient in your daily life.

Think of it as building a foundation for a life of strength, mobility, and independence.

So, embrace the squat! It’s an investment in your strength, athleticism, and overall well-being.

Learning from the Masters: Expert Insights on Squatting

The squat. It’s more than just an exercise; it’s a fundamental human movement. Think about it: we squat to pick things up, to sit down, and even to play with kids. In the gym, the squat is the bedrock of strength and athleticism. Why the Squat is King? Let’s dive into why you should make friends with the squat.

To truly master the squat, though, you need to learn from the best. Lucky for us, the strength and conditioning world is full of brilliant minds. Each expert brings a unique perspective, valuable insights, and proven techniques to the table.

Let’s explore the teachings of some of the squatting gurus and see what gems we can unearth.

The Gurus of the Squat: A Who’s Who

Here’s a rundown of some of the most influential voices in squatting, each with their own area of expertise:

• Greg Nuckols: The Science-Driven Squatter

  Greg Nuckols is your go-to guy for a scientific, evidence-based approach to squatting. He dives deep into biomechanics, analyzing the forces at play and optimizing technique for maximum efficiency and minimal risk of injury.

  Think of him as the data scientist of the squat world, always crunching numbers to find the optimal strategy.

• Mark Rippetoe: Back to the Bare Essentials

  Mark Rippetoe is all about the fundamentals. He strips away the fluff and focuses on the core principles of proper squat form.

  His emphasis on a strong back, tight core, and full range of motion has helped countless lifters build a solid foundation. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, back-to-basics approach, Rippetoe is your man.

• Alan Thrall: Seeing is Believing

  Alan Thrall is a master of visual demonstrations. He breaks down complex movements into easy-to-understand steps, using clear and concise cues to guide you through the squat.

  His YouTube videos are goldmines of practical advice, covering everything from stance width to breathing techniques. If you learn best by watching, Thrall is an invaluable resource.

• Squat University (Dr. Aaron Horschig): The Injury Prevention Expert

  Dr. Aaron Horschig, the man behind Squat University, is your injury prevention specialist. He emphasizes prehab exercises, mobility drills, and proper movement mechanics to keep you squatting pain-free.

  He’ll help you identify and address any underlying issues that might be holding you back or putting you at risk. Think of him as your personal squat doctor.

• Bret Contreras: The Glute Guy

  Bret Contreras, famously known as The Glute Guy, is all about maximizing glute activation during squats. He’ll teach you how to engage your glutes effectively, building a stronger posterior chain and a more powerful squat.

  If you want a rounder, firmer, and stronger backside, Contreras is the man to follow.

• Kelly Starrett: Mobility is Key

  Kelly Starrett is a mobility guru. He emphasizes the importance of joint health and range of motion for optimal squat performance.

  He’ll equip you with the tools and techniques you need to improve your flexibility, unlock your movement potential, and prevent injuries. Starrett is your go-to for all things mobility.

Why Learn From Different Voices?

You might be wondering, why bother listening to so many different experts?

The answer is simple: everyone’s body is different. What works for one person might not work for another.

By understanding the varied perspectives of these squatting gurus, you can develop a more well-rounded approach to your training. You can cherry-pick the techniques and strategies that resonate with you, tailoring your squat form and program to your individual needs and goals.

Think of it as building your own customized squatting philosophy, informed by the wisdom of the masters. It’s about finding what feels right, works best, and keeps you progressing safely and effectively.

So, dive in, explore their teachings, and start building your best squat ever!

Key Concepts: Mastering the Perfect Squat Form

Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that make the movement safe, effective, and tailored to your individual body. Let’s break down these key concepts and unlock your squat potential.

Mobility: The Foundation of Movement

Mobility isn’t just about being flexible; it’s about having the range of motion to perform the squat correctly and safely. If you’re tight, you’re compensating, and compensation leads to injury.

Ankle Mobility: Squat Depth and Form

Ankle mobility is crucial for achieving adequate squat depth without compromising your form.

Think of it this way: stiff ankles force your body to find the depth somewhere else, often in your lower back.

Simple stretches like ankle circles, calf stretches, and banded ankle mobilizations can make a world of difference. Aim to improve dorsiflexion – the ability to bring your toes towards your shin.

Hip Mobility: Stance and Stability

Your hips are the engine of the squat.

Good hip mobility allows you to find the optimal stance for your body and maintain stability throughout the movement.

Experiment with different foot widths and angles to find what feels most natural and powerful.

Hip circles, dynamic leg swings, and pigeon pose can all help improve hip mobility.

Thoracic Spine Mobility: A Strong Upper Back

Don’t forget your upper back! Thoracic spine (T-spine) mobility is vital for maintaining a strong and stable upper back during the squat.

A rounded upper back can lead to poor bar positioning and increase the risk of injury.

Foam rolling the T-spine and performing thoracic extension exercises can help improve mobility.

Core Strength and Stability: Your Body’s Powerhouse

A strong core isn’t just about having visible abs; it’s about creating a solid foundation for every rep.

Core Stability: A Foundation for Every Rep

Your core acts as a stabilizer, protecting your spine and allowing you to transfer force effectively.

Think of it as the bridge between your upper and lower body. Weakness here compromises the entire movement.

Planks, dead bugs, and bird dogs are excellent exercises for developing core stability.

Bracing: Mastering Intra-Abdominal Pressure

Bracing involves creating intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to stiffen your torso and protect your spine.

Imagine preparing to be punched in the stomach – that’s the feeling you’re aiming for.

Practice bracing before each squat by taking a deep breath into your belly and engaging your core muscles.

It takes practice, but it’s worth it for both performance and safety.

Essential Movement Aspects

These are the core components that influence the overall execution and effectiveness of your squat.

Bar Path: Efficiency and Balance

Maintaining a consistent and efficient bar path is crucial for maximizing power output and minimizing stress on your joints.

The bar should move in a straight line up and down, directly over the middle of your foot.

Avoid letting the bar drift forward or backward, as this can throw off your balance and increase the risk of injury.

Depth: Individualization and Range

The appropriate squat depth depends on your individual anatomy, mobility, and goals.

While full depth (hips below knees) is often touted as ideal, it may not be achievable or necessary for everyone.

Aim for a depth that allows you to maintain good form and feel strong throughout the movement.

Partial squats can still be effective for building strength and muscle.

Foot Position: Power and Stability

Finding the right foot position is key for optimal power and stability.

Experiment with different foot widths and angles to find what feels most comfortable and allows you to generate the most force.

Most people find that a stance slightly wider than shoulder-width, with toes pointed slightly outward, works best.

Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Common Faults and Practical Fixes

Let’s face it, nobody’s perfect, and even experienced lifters struggle with these common issues.

Knee Valgus (Knees Caving In): Strengthening and Mobility

Knee valgus, or knees caving in, is a common fault that can increase the risk of knee injury.

It’s often caused by weak glutes, poor hip mobility, or a combination of both.

Strengthening your glutes with exercises like hip thrusts and glute bridges can help correct knee valgus.

Also, address any hip mobility restrictions with targeted stretches and mobilizations.

Butt Wink: Addressing Posterior Pelvic Tilt

Butt wink, or posterior pelvic tilt at the bottom of the squat, is another common issue.

It can be caused by tight hamstrings, a weak core, or simply a lack of awareness.

Stretching your hamstrings and strengthening your core can help minimize butt wink.

Focusing on maintaining a neutral spine throughout the squat can also be beneficial.

However, a slight butt wink may be acceptable for some individuals.

The Kinetic Chain: A Chain Reaction

The squat is a full-body movement that involves a complex chain of events.

Understanding the kinetic chain – the interconnected system of muscles, joints, and nerves – is crucial for optimizing squat performance and preventing injury.

When one part of the chain is weak or dysfunctional, it can affect the entire movement.

By addressing any weaknesses or imbalances in the kinetic chain, you can improve your squat and reduce your risk of injury.

Mastering the perfect squat form takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. But by focusing on these key concepts, you can build a strong, safe, and effective squat that will benefit your overall fitness for years to come.

Squat Variations: Finding the Right Fit for You

Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that make the movement safe, effective, and tailored to your individual body. Let’s break down these key concepts and understand the different types of squats.

Squat variations allow you to target different muscle groups, address individual limitations, and add variety to your training. Let’s explore some popular variations and determine which one might be the best fit for you.

The High Bar Squat: Quads on Fire

The High Bar Squat is a classic choice, where the barbell rests high on your upper back, typically on top of your traps.

Pros

This positioning promotes a more upright torso, which translates to greater quadriceps activation. If you’re looking to build those quads, the high bar squat is a solid choice.

Cons

One potential drawback is that it can be limited by upper back strength. Maintaining that upright posture requires a strong upper back to support the weight.

Who is it For?

The High Bar Squat is ideal for individuals with longer femurs (thigh bones), as the upright torso helps maintain balance. It’s also a great choice for those prioritizing quadriceps development.

The Low Bar Squat: Power and Stability

The Low Bar Squat involves placing the barbell lower on your back, typically across the rear deltoids.

Pros

This position allows for maximal power and stability. It shortens the lever arm, enabling you to lift heavier loads.

Cons

However, it requires greater shoulder mobility to comfortably hold the bar in place. Additionally, it can place greater stress on the lower back, so proper form is crucial.

Who is it For?

The Low Bar Squat is ideal for powerlifters and those prioritizing maximal strength. If your goal is to move the most weight possible, this variation can be a game-changer.

The Front Squat: Core Crusher

The Front Squat is a challenging variation where the barbell is held in front of your body, either in a front rack position or with a cross-grip.

Pros

This squat variation is amazing.
It builds quad strength, core stability, and upper back strength simultaneously.
The anterior load forces you to maintain an upright posture, engaging your core muscles.

Cons

However, it requires significant mobility in the wrists, elbows, and thoracic spine. It can also be uncomfortable for some, especially those with wrist or shoulder issues.

Who is it For?

The Front Squat is ideal for developing quad strength, improving core stability, and athletic training. It translates well to many athletic movements and can be a valuable tool for building overall functional strength.

Building a Squat Program: Principles and Strategies

Squat Variations: Finding the Right Fit for You. Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that make the movement safe, effective, and tailored to your individual body. Let’s break down these key concepts and dive into the essential principles for crafting a squat program that delivers results.

It’s not enough to simply go through the motions. We need to program smart.

The Cornerstone: Progressive Overload

Think of progressive overload as the engine driving your squat gains. It’s the gradual increase in stress placed on your muscles, forcing them to adapt and become stronger. This isn’t just about adding weight to the bar (though that’s a big part of it!).

Progressive overload can take many forms:

• Increasing Weight: The most obvious method, adding small increments each workout.
• Increasing Reps: Pushing for more repetitions at a given weight.
• Increasing Sets: Adding an extra set or two to your workout.
• Decreasing Rest Time: Shortening the rest periods between sets.
• Improving Technique: Perfecting your form to engage the right muscles more efficiently.

The key is consistency. Small, incremental improvements over time lead to significant long-term gains. Don’t rush the process, listen to your body, and prioritize proper form above all else.

Supporting Cast: Accessory Exercises

Squats are fantastic, but they can’t do it all alone. That’s where accessory exercises come in. These are movements that target specific muscle groups to strengthen weak points and improve your overall squat performance.

Think of them as the supporting cast in a movie – they might not be the stars, but they play a crucial role in the story.

Some examples of effective accessory exercises include:

• Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs): Strengthen hamstrings and glutes, improving hip hinge mechanics.
• Glute Bridges/Hip Thrusts: Isolate and activate the glutes, essential for squat stability and power.
• Core Exercises (Planks, Anti-Rotation Press): Enhance core stability and prevent energy leaks during squats.
• Good Mornings: Strengthens lower back, improving posture and ability to hold heavy weight.

Choose accessory exercises that address your specific weaknesses and imbalances. Don’t just throw in random movements; be intentional and strategic.

Strategic Retreat: The Importance of Deloading

Pushing yourself to the limit week after week can lead to burnout, injury, and plateaus. That’s why deloading is essential. A deload is a planned period of reduced training volume and intensity. It gives your body a chance to recover, rebuild, and come back stronger.

Think of it as hitting the reset button.

During a deload week, you might:

• Reduce the weight you’re lifting by 40-60%.
• Decrease the number of sets and reps you perform.
• Focus on lighter accessory work or mobility exercises.

Deloads aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a smart training strategy. Plan them into your program every 4-8 weeks to maximize long-term progress.

Setting the Stage: The Warm-Up

Never underestimate the power of a proper warm-up. It prepares your body for the demands of squatting by increasing blood flow, improving mobility, and activating key muscle groups.

A good squat warm-up might include:

• Light Cardio (5-10 minutes): Jumping jacks, elliptical, or light jogging to elevate heart rate.
• Dynamic Stretching (5-10 minutes): Leg swings, arm circles, torso twists to improve range of motion.
• Mobility Drills (5-10 minutes): Ankle rotations, hip circles, thoracic spine extensions to address specific mobility limitations.
• Light Squat Variations (5-10 minutes): Bodyweight squats, goblet squats, or light barbell squats to prime the movement pattern.

Don’t skip the warm-up! It’s an investment in your long-term squat health and performance.

The Right Gear: Optimizing Your Squat Setup

Building a Squat Program: Principles and Strategies
Squat Variations: Finding the Right Fit for You. Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that make the movement safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs. Your squat journey, while dependent on your body, goals, and form, can also be greatly enhanced with the right equipment. Let’s explore some key pieces of gear that can help you optimize your squat setup and performance.

The Core Essentials

Let’s start with the must-haves. These are the pieces you’ll likely rely on consistently.

The Barbell: Your Foundation

The barbell is the cornerstone of almost all effective squat programs. It allows for progressive overload in a way that few other tools can match. Choosing the right barbell can make a difference in comfort and performance. A good quality barbell, with proper knurling (the textured grip), is essential for maintaining a solid hold and control throughout your lifts.

Dumbbells: Versatile Companions

While the barbell reigns supreme for heavy squats, dumbbells are invaluable for accessory work. They allow you to target specific muscle imbalances, work on unilateral (single-sided) strength, and introduce variations like goblet squats or Bulgarian split squats.

Don’t underestimate the power of dumbbells to round out your squat training!

Resistance Bands: Mobility and Activation

Resistance bands are not just for warming up (though they’re fantastic for that too!). They can be used to improve mobility by assisting with stretches. More importantly, they’re great for activating key muscle groups like your glutes before you even touch a barbell.

Loop bands around your knees during squats can also encourage proper knee tracking.

Enhancing Performance and Safety

Beyond the core essentials, certain pieces of equipment can significantly enhance your squatting experience and minimize risk.

Foam Roller: Your Muscle’s Best Friend

Squatting puts a lot of stress on your muscles and joints. The foam roller can help relieve tension and improve mobility. Regular foam rolling can help prevent injuries. It also preps your body for training.

Spend some time rolling out your quads, hamstrings, and calves before and after your squat sessions. Your body will thank you for it!

Weightlifting Shoes: Stability From the Ground Up

Weightlifting shoes feature a raised heel. This subtle elevation can dramatically improve your squat mechanics, especially if you struggle with ankle mobility. The raised heel allows you to achieve greater depth while maintaining an upright torso and stable foot position.

The solid, non-compressible sole provides a stable base of support, enabling more efficient power transfer from your legs to the bar.

Squat Rack/Power Rack: Safety First

The squat rack, or its more robust cousin, the power rack, is paramount for safety. It provides adjustable safety pins or bars that can catch the weight if you fail during a rep. This allows you to push yourself with confidence, knowing that you have a backup in place.

If you are squatting alone, a power rack is non-negotiable.

Weightlifting Belt: Added Support (Used Wisely)

A weightlifting belt can increase intra-abdominal pressure. This creates a more rigid core and provides support for your spine. However, a belt is not a substitute for proper core strength and bracing technique.

Think of it as a tool to be used strategically for heavier sets, rather than a crutch to rely on every time you squat. Don’t become dependent on it!

Places to Train

The Right Gear: Optimizing Your Squat Setup
Building a Squat Program: Principles and Strategies
Squat Variations: Finding the Right Fit for You. Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that make the movement effective and safe. So, once you’ve got the technique down and the right gear in your bag, where do you actually go to train? Choosing the right training environment can make a huge difference in your progress and enjoyment.

Let’s explore some ideal gym setups for maximizing your squat potential.

Powerlifting Gyms: The Strength Sanctuary

Powerlifting gyms are built for one purpose: moving serious weight.

These gyms are typically equipped with multiple squat racks, competition-grade barbells, and plenty of weight plates.

You’ll often find a supportive community of experienced lifters who are happy to offer advice and encouragement.

The Powerlifting Vibe

The atmosphere in a powerlifting gym is usually intense and focused. People are there to work hard and push their limits.

Don’t be intimidated! Most powerlifters are incredibly welcoming and willing to share their knowledge.

Is a Powerlifting Gym Right for You?

If your primary goal is to increase your squat strength and compete in powerlifting, a powerlifting gym is an excellent choice.

The specialized equipment and supportive environment can help you reach your full potential.

Weightlifting Gyms: Where Technique Reigns Supreme

Weightlifting gyms, focused on Olympic-style weightlifting (the snatch and clean & jerk), also provide an excellent environment for squat training.

While the focus isn’t exclusively on the squat, the emphasis on explosive power, mobility, and precise technique translates directly to squat performance.

The Weightlifting Advantage

Weightlifting gyms often have highly qualified coaches who can provide expert instruction on squat form and technique.

You’ll also find specialized equipment like platforms and bumper plates, which are great for safely dropping heavy weights.

Is a Weightlifting Gym Right for You?

If you’re interested in improving your squat technique, developing explosive power, or learning from experienced coaches, a weightlifting gym is a fantastic option.

The focus on mobility and flexibility will also benefit your overall squat performance and reduce your risk of injury.

Beyond Speciality Gyms: Making the Most of Any Space

Don’t discount your local globo gym! While they may lack the specialized equipment and atmosphere of powerlifting or weightlifting gyms, you can still make significant progress with your squat training.

Making it Work

Ensure the gym has at least one functional squat rack.

Invest in your own equipment, such as resistance bands, a weightlifting belt, or wrist wraps, to enhance your training.

Focus on mastering the fundamentals of squat form and gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger.

Community

Sometimes, the community can make up for a lack of top-tier equipment.

Look to the experienced members, and ask questions.

This collaborative effort can help you improve the quality of your training.

Getting Certified

Places to Train
The Right Gear: Optimizing Your Squat Setup
Building a Squat Program: Principles and Strategies
Squat Variations: Finding the Right Fit for You. Learning from the Masters gives us a solid foundation, but now it’s time to build. Mastering the squat isn’t just about lifting heavy weight; it’s about understanding the fundamentals that…

Getting certified can significantly enhance your knowledge and credibility. It’s a way to formalize your understanding and demonstrate your commitment to safe and effective training practices.

But with so many certifications out there, how do you choose the right one? Let’s dive into some of the most relevant organizations and certifications that can elevate your squat game.

Why Get Certified?

Think of certifications as a structured way to learn and prove your knowledge. They provide a framework, teaching you the science behind exercise, proper technique, and safety protocols.

Having a certification also boosts your credibility, showing potential clients or employers that you’ve met a certain standard of competence. It’s an investment in yourself and your career!

Top Certification Organizations

Let’s look at some leading organizations offering certifications related to strength and conditioning:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Each organization has different specialties and focuses. Knowing the difference can guide you to the right fit.

NSCA: A Deep Dive

The NSCA is a well-respected organization that caters to strength and conditioning professionals. Its certifications, like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), are highly regarded in the industry.

The CSCS certification is geared toward professionals who design and implement strength and conditioning programs for athletes. If you’re serious about working with athletes and optimizing their performance, this might be the perfect certification.

CSCS: What to Expect

The CSCS exam is challenging, requiring a solid understanding of exercise science, program design, and sports psychology. Preparation is key! Expect to dedicate a significant amount of time to studying and practicing.

Is CSCS Worth It?

If you’re passionate about athletic performance and want to work with athletes at a higher level, the CSCS certification is definitely worth considering. It can open doors to exciting opportunities and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Other Certifications to Consider

While the NSCA’s CSCS is highly regarded, other certifications may better align with your goals.

For example, the ACSM offers certifications that are great for those interested in clinical exercise physiology, whereas NASM has fitness-focused certifications.

Choosing the right certification depends on your specific interests, career goals, and the population you want to work with. Do your research and find the one that best suits your needs!

Alright, so there you have it! Hopefully, these five fixes give you a solid starting point for tackling that frustrating "why is my squat so weak" feeling. Remember, consistency and patience are key. Don’t expect to see huge overnight changes, but stick with these adjustments, and you’ll be well on your way to a stronger, more confident squat. Now get out there and crush it!