The evolution of the How to Squat series reflects Alan’s impressive knowledge, teaching ability, and humility. Each video in the series is great, and yet each one is better than the last. Thanks for the excellent content Alan, happy to be learning from your learnings!
Shows difference between produkt designed to make sheckels (cough CurleanX$$ cough) and a genuine honest person. Alan should collab with not a dr at some point- get similar Vibe from both.
Hey Alan, my name is Ryan from Austin, Texas. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the content you’ve put out throughout the years. I think I started watching you in 2016 and have passionately pursued lifting ever since. Hope you and your family are well, -Ryan
I learned how to squat years ago from Alan "Bearded Man" Thrall and Candito. This video will serve as another guiding light for a newer generation of lifter (unless they end up finding Jeff Cavaliere's channel first in which case they'll get really good at cable movements)
Your older video's on squatting have been my textbook for doing squats. This is like a new issue of that textbook. As in: it's even better. Oh and: your dry humor's the best :). Thanks Alan!
I love the straightforward, actionable tips that you offer. So many times I have heard confusing advice like “pay attention to bar path” which means so little when I’m actually under a bar.
Alan, out of all the squat videos I’ve seen, watching this one beats every single one of them. Balance IS key to the squat! You made it sound so simple. Great video man
Thanks Alan, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with squat cues as of late, and I felt they weren't getting any better. Thank you for the simplification, this was just what I needed!
Hey Alan, you won't see this but I'm glad you did this video. I learned to squat through your 2016 videos, but a lot of other videos compete with different messages about how to do their versions. There is too much information on the squat out there, so it's great to see you've learned and refined your approach for us early converts.
The "Toes forward if you have a loose/too-deep squat" tip worked for me too. I tried to bring my feet out wider for a while last year but my hips didn't like it. I ended up bringing my feet back in to a comfortable stance but with toes pointing more forward and it did the trick. I'm still a little low but I'm stronger at the bottom of the lift.
Alan, thank you so much. After years and years of flirting with the squat but never committing, this was the video that sealed the deal. I am an over thinker, and would always leave the rack so frustrated because I was trying to get every little detail right and couldn't get my form correct. After watching this video I told myself two things: start the movement with your hips, then sit down as you focus on staying balanced across your feet with chest up. When I got to the bottom, I repeated; start drive with the hips then focus on staying balanced across my feet as I drive with my hips and chest up. I could actually feel each individual leg, from my calves to my glutes, and felt it even on my inner groin. I have never felt it like that when squatting, and I knew immediately my form was much better and I could build from this. Idk if you'll read this, but thank you seriously. I've been battling insecurity and self doubt, and this has given me a reason to get back in the gym. These are much more than just workout youtube videos.
Thank you, I learned more about how to squat in the 13 minutes of this video than I have in years of trying to figure it out. You are an excellent teacher. I love how you demystify squatting and make things really clear and concise while assuring viewers that their own physiology is going to mean they'll squat in their own unique way and that's ok. I've got some significant mobility problems so I find squatting frustrating and not enjoyable and I'm really trying to change that. The balance cue was like a lightbulb moment for me - I think this will really help. Definitely a keeper to watch again. 😁
Thanks Alan you are a master explainer. You make things very simple and doable. I learned squat, deadlift and OHP from you. Lots of love and respect from a small town in India 🇮🇳
This video was posted while I was doing squats using form I learned from Alan’s videos, and from Mark Rippetoe. I am in my mid-40s, and I could never stay with a squat or deadlift program without getting injured until I started following Mark and Alan. Listen to these men!!!!!
I really like that you show different types of bodies doing squats - men, women, small, big, thin, bulky, older, younger. Suddenly my own squats doesn't feel as awkward or "not according to the book".
Bang on video. So many videos on UA-cam overcomplicating technique, nutrition, programming. Simple and effective is the way to go - two things have stopped me lifting in the past. Overcomplicating it (sucking the joy out of it) and injuring myself. Nailing down good natural form really needn't be hard.
I watch a lot of your vids because you are funny crazy and strong and technical. But most importantly, unlike most, I feel your sincerity and passion. Keep On being the Untamed Animal that you are. Bless.
@@PinataOblongata You wouldn't go how far? So far your prolapsed colon hit the floor, or so far as to call that comment "fucking hilarious"? If the latter, I thought it was fucking hilarious, but that's the beautiful thing about social media; everyone is allowed to have an opinion, even if others disagree with that opinion.
this is perhaps the best SQ video on UA-cam ... it does not favor 1 type of SQ over another and instead focuses on the principles shared across all safe and controlled SQ forms
Have been following Alan since his first 'How to Squat' videos and rewatching each iteration for more than once. Learn new insights everytime. Thank you for doing this throughout the years, Alan.
Alan, if you see this, I just wanted to say that you've been a massive help in my training. You have fantastic information of the big lifts. I hope that you and your family stay happy, healthy, and prosperous.
The "Don't Curl In Me" flag behind the squat cage is sublime. The gym where I lift has, I believe, seven full squat cages and one more open squat rack, and I've never had to wait to kick off my squat session...until yesterday. All were full and, of course, one was occupied by a guy doing barbell curls. The struggle is real.
Wow. Absolutely confirming what my squats have been telling me. No matter how great form is, trying to precisely imitate another's form without being aware of center of gravity can create many problems. This adds somuch to the fundamentals of any squat. How do I so a squat? If you are off balance, whatever you are doing needs corrected and you, the lifter, should quickly learn your center. That will add mounds off confidence to the squat
I'm glad you posted this. the past month I think I watched three of your squat videos. Last week I watched the one you posted of Baraki. I was completely confused afterwards. So thanks for the clarification and the advice to not overthink it.
Best squat video yet! Just simple first principles. Focussing on keeping the distribution of weight through my feet constant really helped with my balance. Thanks.
This is pretty darn awesome. I came back from my leg day, and I did change a couple of things after having watched another of Alan's videos on squatting - the most major one was that I used to have my head too high (I basically looked myself in the eyes in the mirror), but when I put my head down a little, it felt easier. When it comes to squats and deadlifts, there is nothing that can replace proper form, and I'm happy to say, I think my form is improving. I'll take this with me for the next leg day, ok?
I spent weeks analyzing my squat and arrived at these conclusions in my own-especially the balance part. I wish I had found this video earlier. Nice work!
Always good to recap the basics video. Don't know about others here, but in the UK haven't been in the gym for 16 weeks due to the "new normal" and they'll finally be open on 25th - so feel like I'm a newbie all over again.
Thanks a lot for all of your quality videos Alan ! Funny, clear, accurate, and also very easy to understand for none native English speakers. You're making people wanna lift Cheers from France :)
Made my wife watch this in order to improve her form. "Back angle" was the cue allowing her to find out for some reason she has hip mobility issue. Don't know what to do about it yet, but at least this video helped her find out what was going wrong !
I am trying to get material for my thesis from your video and you just randomly film from the elevator or give that sexy tool in the "angle shot", I love you man lol
Glad I found this video, and your channel. Subscribed. Love the humor, and quality content. Just had my squat session and I applied those simple principles, it felt better than before. I was definitely over-thinking it and focusing on details at the expense of those pillars.
I injured my lower back squatting the other day and searched for Alan's video and here it is - uploaded the same day! Universe is telling me something for sure
I've been working on balance and it's been helping so much. I have a tendency to be heavy in my heels and it makes it hard to use my quads out of the hole.
Thanks for the video! I appreciate the simplification of the whole idea. Back when I was healthy enough to try to exercise, squats were always frustrating because I had no idea whether I was doing anything right or wrong. This simplified approach would have been helpful.
That 2017 starting Strength low bar squat from you is still the beat “How to” on the web. I though me a whole bunch. I know this video will help others out. It just feels weird hearing you say high vs low bar doesn’t matter. Especially after the 2017 video built into my brain it does matter. I remember those drawings lol
Most other issues are from poor ankle mobility and glute activation. Solid guide for sure. Would heavily be against the "where should I look", there's a reason why we say "look forward at all times. Looking down is the worst thing you can do, if you're about to black out or if you accidentally space out at the wrong rep you will easily begin to fall without noticing. You can look up but you're probably not gonna be able to see your squatting angle properly. Look straight ahead or only slightly diverted
"Back angle refers to the angle of your back."
Never change, Alan.
Really appreciate the fact that more and more youtubers are now using the new timestamps system, it really makes navigating the video more convenient
New?...
Dude you're everywhere, Sean,Jeff Nippard,Omar and now Alan.
@@kachucho872 alpha destiny 2
@@GrefveGyldenpungh Timestamps are old but the time in the bottom of the video being divided into labelled segments is new.
@@archduke0000 That would be pretty good
Alan judges squat depth by how far his beard is from the floor
That explains why he doesn't need to squat ass to grass like he used to
Lol
If it ain’t deep enough, he’ll just pause in the hole for 10 sec
Touch and go...
-20cm ought to do it
"If it look like a squat
Sounds like a squat
Squats like a squat
Its propably a squat"
*YES, MUCH BETTER*
*Chef's Kiss*
What did you say about me, son?
Preach
"sounds like a squat" = "oh, is it arm day again?"
Can't wait for the next squat tutorial in 3 years.
"just go down and come back up smh"
@@mariomolnar3184 "whatever feels comfortable, just go with the flow maan"
How to program your robot knee servos for efficiency in the squat.
@@PinataOblongata I was gonna comment something similar, but your's is more clever.
1 year to go
Still waiting to squat laying in ground
The reason why coaches stress the 100 essential points of squatting is that they charge by the hour.
Exactly. Balance and breathing are the only cues that matter IMHO
@Huginn Bodgaedir True, but for maximizing weight on the bar, not somehow drastically reducing your risk of injury like is often implied.
The evolution of the How to Squat series reflects Alan’s impressive knowledge, teaching ability, and humility. Each video in the series is great, and yet each one is better than the last. Thanks for the excellent content Alan, happy to be learning from your learnings!
Shows difference between produkt designed to make sheckels (cough CurleanX$$ cough) and a genuine honest person. Alan should collab with not a dr at some point- get similar Vibe from both.
Pillars of Squat, one of the best swedish-death-progressive-thrash-doom-power-metal bands of all times! 🤘
Their song about the haunted elevator ‘Dead Lift’ is my favourite
@@soldierside365 Im fond of this joke
ytpj 64 i aim to please
*death squad
00:00 - 00:45 [Intro]
00:46 - 01:36 [3 pillars of a good squat]
01:36 - 04:15 [Balance]
04:16 - 05:53 [Range of motion]
05:54 - 08:23 [Back angle]
08:24 - 09:28 [Should I high bar squat or low bar squat?]
09:29 - 10:45 [How to squat with a barbell]
10:46 - 11:20 [Breathing]
11:21 - 11:46 [Adding weight]
11:47 - 12:22 [Where should I look?]
12:23 - end [The Beginner Prescription]
Cheers Alan. Looking forward to the next definitive how to squat video 😉
Which are the different routine or program for Squats and bench press you can combine with Coan/Philippi deadlift routine???
Merci for this
@Alan Thrall can't hear anything after 1:27....
4:14
Hey Alan,
my name is Ryan from Austin, Texas. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the content you’ve put out throughout the years. I think I started watching you in 2016 and have passionately pursued lifting ever since.
Hope you and your family are well,
-Ryan
Lol I know / knew you possibly.
Phone camera angle bit was hilarious.
I learned how to squat years ago from Alan "Bearded Man" Thrall and Candito. This video will serve as another guiding light for a newer generation of lifter (unless they end up finding Jeff Cavaliere's channel first in which case they'll get really good at cable movements)
Jeff "Fake Plates" Cavaliere
Never forget facepulls
@Mr Anderson yeah I do disagree with him there. That's why I don't just have 1 fitness source of information
@Mr Anderson what do u consider his gimmicky exercises?
They will learn the cable movements only if they don't die during their 10th set of squats at 70%
Jesus I needed some squat improvement today and I re-checked your old squat videos, hour later and there is new one, what the heck
Am I the only one upset about all the squats occurring in the bicep curl rack?
Brosience=life
More at issue in my gym: all them bicep curls occurring in the squat rack
Curl rack? Don't know you mean shrug rack pull rack?
If you learn any more about squats Alan, you're going to turn into one!
That was almost as deep as Alan's squat depth.
This is by far the best squat video i watched. Straight to the point.
Your older video's on squatting have been my textbook for doing squats. This is like a new issue of that textbook. As in: it's even better. Oh and: your dry humor's the best :). Thanks Alan!
I tend to overthink and overcue my squat, more or less like a NASA countdown check-list.
The part about balance helped a lot !
I love the straightforward, actionable tips that you offer. So many times I have heard confusing advice like “pay attention to bar path” which means so little when I’m actually under a bar.
Such a great video. There is nothing more natural feeling than a squat. Too many people complicate such a natural motion.
Alan, out of all the squat videos I’ve seen, watching this one beats every single one of them. Balance IS key to the squat! You made it sound so simple. Great video man
The most common sense explanation I've ever heard about how to squat. Skwaaaaaaat Untaaaaaamed!
Do this for deadlifts please and thanks 😭😅
Thanks Alan, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with squat cues as of late, and I felt they weren't getting any better. Thank you for the simplification, this was just what I needed!
Hey Alan, you won't see this but I'm glad you did this video. I learned to squat through your 2016 videos, but a lot of other videos compete with different messages about how to do their versions. There is too much information on the squat out there, so it's great to see you've learned and refined your approach for us early converts.
The "Toes forward if you have a loose/too-deep squat" tip worked for me too. I tried to bring my feet out wider for a while last year but my hips didn't like it. I ended up bringing my feet back in to a comfortable stance but with toes pointing more forward and it did the trick. I'm still a little low but I'm stronger at the bottom of the lift.
The dude at 4:14 is more red than the traffic light I over looked yesterday
Hof vibes
Alan, thank you so much. After years and years of flirting with the squat but never committing, this was the video that sealed the deal. I am an over thinker, and would always leave the rack so frustrated because I was trying to get every little detail right and couldn't get my form correct. After watching this video I told myself two things: start the movement with your hips, then sit down as you focus on staying balanced across your feet with chest up. When I got to the bottom, I repeated; start drive with the hips then focus on staying balanced across my feet as I drive with my hips and chest up. I could actually feel each individual leg, from my calves to my glutes, and felt it even on my inner groin. I have never felt it like that when squatting, and I knew immediately my form was much better and I could build from this. Idk if you'll read this, but thank you seriously. I've been battling insecurity and self doubt, and this has given me a reason to get back in the gym. These are much more than just workout youtube videos.
Zercher squats...I just hit those this morning. Thanks for including them, fellow gym-goer.
Ok I’m ignorant, why would you Zercher squat when you have a squat rack?
@@tpespos Change it up, and the Zercher positioning is just difficult. It's weight lifting, the whole point is to change how muscles are stretched.
only Alan can make so many squat tutorials and still make them worth watching
Always love when someone knowledgeable like Alan puts out a Squat video on a day when I'm squatting!
Thank you, I learned more about how to squat in the 13 minutes of this video than I have in years of trying to figure it out. You are an excellent teacher. I love how you demystify squatting and make things really clear and concise while assuring viewers that their own physiology is going to mean they'll squat in their own unique way and that's ok. I've got some significant mobility problems so I find squatting frustrating and not enjoyable and I'm really trying to change that. The balance cue was like a lightbulb moment for me - I think this will really help. Definitely a keeper to watch again. 😁
Thanks Alan you are a master explainer. You make things very simple and doable. I learned squat, deadlift and OHP from you. Lots of love and respect from a small town in India 🇮🇳
One of the best exercise videos I've ever seen
This video was posted while I was doing squats using form I learned from Alan’s videos, and from Mark Rippetoe. I am in my mid-40s, and I could never stay with a squat or deadlift program without getting injured until I started following Mark and Alan. Listen to these men!!!!!
I really like that you show different types of bodies doing squats - men, women, small, big, thin, bulky, older, younger. Suddenly my own squats doesn't feel as awkward or "not according to the book".
Bang on video.
So many videos on UA-cam overcomplicating technique, nutrition, programming.
Simple and effective is the way to go - two things have stopped me lifting in the past. Overcomplicating it (sucking the joy out of it) and injuring myself.
Nailing down good natural form really needn't be hard.
I watch a lot of your vids because you are funny crazy and strong and technical. But most importantly, unlike most, I feel your sincerity and passion. Keep On being the Untamed Animal that you are. Bless.
if your prolapsed colon doesn't hit the gym floor, can it really be considered a deep squat?
That is fucking hilarious!
@@JayCo-1978 I wouldn't go that far...
@@PinataOblongata You wouldn't go how far? So far your prolapsed colon hit the floor, or so far as to call that comment "fucking hilarious"? If the latter, I thought it was fucking hilarious, but that's the beautiful thing about social media; everyone is allowed to have an opinion, even if others disagree with that opinion.
Only if youre on Tren
ass to grass
You have a talent for teaching and humor. Props for using the gym guys as ... Props.
this is perhaps the best SQ video on UA-cam ... it does not favor 1 type of SQ over another and instead focuses on the principles shared across all safe and controlled SQ forms
One of the best Squat videos I ever watched. You're great guy Alan
Have been following Alan since his first 'How to Squat' videos and rewatching each iteration for more than once. Learn new insights everytime. Thank you for doing this throughout the years, Alan.
The Lord of Squats. Got a doubt about my form, and could not think of anyone better to instruct me back to progress : )
Best Squat instructions on UA-cam. Only thing i`d dare to ad is, there is no shame in proactively stretching and striving to get good form first.
Another year passes, another updated squat vid from Alan... by 2030 he will have achieved the status of this generation’s greatest squat philosopher
I like that you're not dogmatic about these things. Dogmatic, like Mark Rippatoe, lol.
Alan, if you see this, I just wanted to say that you've been a massive help in my training. You have fantastic information of the big lifts. I hope that you and your family stay happy, healthy, and prosperous.
I absolutely love this video. The best I've seen so far. Great tips for squatting.
This is the best squat video on UA-cam (and I've seen a lot).
The "Don't Curl In Me" flag behind the squat cage is sublime. The gym where I lift has, I believe, seven full squat cages and one more open squat rack, and I've never had to wait to kick off my squat session...until yesterday. All were full and, of course, one was occupied by a guy doing barbell curls. The struggle is real.
Wow. Absolutely confirming what my squats have been telling me. No matter how great form is, trying to precisely imitate another's form without being aware of center of gravity can create many problems. This adds somuch to the fundamentals of any squat.
How do I so a squat?
If you are off balance, whatever you are doing needs corrected and you, the lifter, should quickly learn your center. That will add mounds off confidence to the squat
What I really respect about you is that you will admit if you felt like you may have not given the best information in the past about how to squat.
Your videos really are fantastic. Not found any I like more online. Thanks!
Awesome to see someone develop as a trainer/coach as at the same time aim to develop us as lifters. Well done, never stop getting better.
Best squat video on UA-cam! Thank you so much Alan :)
This is the best tip given to me. No complicated rules, Thanks!!
I'm glad you posted this. the past month I think I watched three of your squat videos. Last week I watched the one you posted of Baraki. I was completely confused afterwards. So thanks for the clarification and the advice to not overthink it.
Best squat video yet! Just simple first principles. Focussing on keeping the distribution of weight through my feet constant really helped with my balance. Thanks.
This is pretty darn awesome.
I came back from my leg day, and I did change a couple of things after having watched another of Alan's videos on squatting - the most major one was that I used to have my head too high (I basically looked myself in the eyes in the mirror), but when I put my head down a little, it felt easier. When it comes to squats and deadlifts, there is nothing that can replace proper form, and I'm happy to say, I think my form is improving.
I'll take this with me for the next leg day, ok?
Nice job Alan. Hope to see Adam Paul any time soon!
"Back angle refers to the angle of your back." 😏
That smile cracks me up.
This is really great info!
Great production Alan: entertaining, informative and very funny 😂. 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼
This video sounds like you’re redeeming yourself from past videos and im here for it. Thanks, you’re a real dude
I spent weeks analyzing my squat and arrived at these conclusions in my own-especially the balance part. I wish I had found this video earlier. Nice work!
This has been one of your funniest and most informational videos.
So glad he talked about when to breathe. Some people forget to breathe or get injured on the inhale.
Always good to recap the basics video. Don't know about others here, but in the UK haven't been in the gym for 16 weeks due to the "new normal" and they'll finally be open on 25th - so feel like I'm a newbie all over again.
Best Advice on Squats I've everseen. Thank you Alan.
Thanks Alan.. Im 6'6" finally able for the first time to hit proper depth following your videos.. thanks much.
Thanks a lot for all of your quality videos Alan ! Funny, clear, accurate, and also very easy to understand for none native English speakers. You're making people wanna lift
Cheers from France :)
Made my wife watch this in order to improve her form. "Back angle" was the cue allowing her to find out for some reason she has hip mobility issue. Don't know what to do about it yet, but at least this video helped her find out what was going wrong !
9:30 is a test to make sure you're still paying attention LOL
More like making fun of Rip's tutorials 🤫
The practicality and simple, yet in-depth instructions make me truly excited to workout and share the info! Awesome as always
Great video. Really, the message is don’t overthink it.
Thank you Alan.
You’ve been producing great content for years now.
Thank you.
Thanks for keeping it simple Dr. Thrall
I am trying to get material for my thesis from your video and you just randomly film from the elevator or give that sexy tool in the "angle shot", I love you man lol
Alan, great video. I love the simplicity of the 3 pillars. KISS 👍🏻
One of the best you tube video on Squat.....Thank you so much!!!
Glad I found this video, and your channel. Subscribed. Love the humor, and quality content. Just had my squat session and I applied those simple principles, it felt better than before. I was definitely over-thinking it and focusing on details at the expense of those pillars.
The original how to squat video is amazing
I think this is your best squat video man!
This is your best video yet, been a subscriber for years. Well done!
I injured my lower back squatting the other day and searched for Alan's video and here it is - uploaded the same day! Universe is telling me something for sure
So many friends in one video! Miss y'all!
I've been working on balance and it's been helping so much. I have a tendency to be heavy in my heels and it makes it hard to use my quads out of the hole.
Awesome video Alan!!
Keeping it real, simple and straight forward!
Thanks for the tip. I completely agree with you. High bar squat works way better for me in terms of range of motion and shoulder mobility.
Great video Alan, key points that sum up a lot of scattered information.
Great video, all time!! Happy to see the low bar squat again!!
Thanks for the video! I appreciate the simplification of the whole idea. Back when I was healthy enough to try to exercise, squats were always frustrating because I had no idea whether I was doing anything right or wrong. This simplified approach would have been helpful.
I watched one of your older videos about finding a new gym if they dont allow chalk. I saw your band flags, I fucking love those bands too!
"CREASE OF THE HIPS,
TOP OF THE KNEECAP!!
Thanks Alan! I found this so informative and helpful. I'm sharing it with my colleagues.
That 2017 starting Strength low bar squat from you is still the beat “How to” on the web. I though me a whole bunch. I know this video will help others out. It just feels weird hearing you say high vs low bar doesn’t matter. Especially after the 2017 video built into my brain it does matter. I remember those drawings lol
Most other issues are from poor ankle mobility and glute activation. Solid guide for sure.
Would heavily be against the "where should I look", there's a reason why we say "look forward at all times. Looking down is the worst thing you can do, if you're about to black out or if you accidentally space out at the wrong rep you will easily begin to fall without noticing. You can look up but you're probably not gonna be able to see your squatting angle properly. Look straight ahead or only slightly diverted
Fantastic video! I’ll be sure to share it when someone asks me about squats.