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Hindu Squat

IntermediateStrengthTier T2

Stand with your arms reaching forward. Squat low onto the balls of your feet as your arms swing back, then push up and swing your arms forward again. You may feel your thigh, buttock and calf muscles working.

Targets: Knee
Muscles: Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus

Stop if

Stop the exercise if this happens. Seek advice if it persists or you are unsure.

Also stop if you notice
Pain in your knees, hips, ankles or back, or dizziness or unsteadiness.
  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

none

Home Options

  • bodyweight

Dosage

3

Sets

10

Reps / Time

45 sec

Rest

controlled

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand tall on a non-slip floor with your feet flat and about shoulder-width apart.
  • Reach both arms straight forward at shoulder height, palms facing down.
  1. Woman standing tall with her feet flat and both arms reaching straight forward at shoulder height.

    Step 1 of 3

    Stand tall with your feet flat and your arms reaching forward.

  2. Woman in a deep squat on the balls of her feet with her heels lifted and both arms swung back behind her.

    Step 2 of 3

    Squat low on the balls of your feet, arms swung back behind you.

  3. Woman standing tall with her feet flat and both arms reaching straight forward at shoulder height.

    Step 3 of 3

    Stand tall with your feet flat and your arms reaching forward.

What you should feel

You may feel your thigh, buttock and calf muscles working, and your breathing getting faster.

Breathing

  • Breathe steadily throughout; do not hold your breath.

Safety Information

This squat puts a lot of pressure on the knees because the weight is on the balls of the feet and the knees travel forward; if you have a knee, hip or ankle problem, have had recent surgery or have trouble with balance, ask a health professional before trying it. Start slowly with a few repetitions, and squat only as deep as feels comfortable; a half-depth squat is fine. Stop if it hurts your knees, hips, ankles or back, or if you feel dizzy or unsteady. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.