Squatting is undoubtedly the best exercise for building incredibly strong and powerful legs. The proof lies in the exceptional leg muscles developed by legendary bodybuilders like Tom Platz and Jay Cutler, who swear by this exercise to achieve massive gains. However, did you know how you squat can depend on your body’s anatomy? Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead has a simple test to help you figure out if you should be squatting with a wide or narrow stance.
In a recent YouTube video shared by Squat University, founded by Dr. Aaron Horschig, Cbum illustrated the difference between the two. Let’s take a look at what he explained.
Understanding your hip anatomy for optimal results
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In the YouTube short clip, the 28-year-old bodybuilder provided a brief assessment to determine whether a narrow or wide stance is more suitable for squatting. By illustrating the squat position, he said, “Pull your knee straight up in front of your body, and if you get stuck at like 90 degrees or a little bit over, then you probably shouldn’t be squatting in a narrow stance.” This test, known as the hip scour test, helps understand your hip joint’s movement.
In the video, Dr. Horschig explained what Chris Bumstead meant by illustrating with an example of three people who were working out, with different hip anatomies. He said that when a professional assesses your hip anatomy using the hip scour test, they push your knee straining forward towards your shoulder.
Moreover, if your hip hits a hard end range at about 90 degrees, then a narrow squat stance might not be ideal. One won’t be able to squat very deep, and if you try, your lower back might move too much. The doctor explained further by giving an example of his friend.
Dr. Horsching explained Chris Bumstead’s point
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In addition, Dr. Horschig showed another person who can get his knee almost all the way to his shoulder, showing a different hip anatomy. This means he can squat deeper with a narrow stance. Interstingly, Ed has more range of motion when his knee goes out to the side, suggesting that a wider stance would suit him better.
Understanding your hip anatomy can greatly affect how you approach squatting. It’s not about one size fits all. By paying attention to your body’s unique features, you can tailor your squat stance to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.
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So, the next time you hit the squat rack, remember Chris Bumstead’s advice and consider your hip anatomy. Whether it’s a wide or narrow stance, find what works best for you and your body to get the most out of this powerful exercise.
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