The Sled Lying Squat is a dynamic lower-body exercise that targets and strengthens the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. This exercise is suitable for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts as it can be easily adjusted to match individual fitness levels. People would want to perform this exercise not only to build lower body strength and endurance, but also to enhance their balance, stability, and overall athletic performance.
Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Sled Lying Squat
With your hands, grab the handles of the machine and push your feet into the platform, extending your legs and pushing the weight up, but keep a slight bend in your knees to avoid locking them.
Slowly lower the weight by bending your knees and bringing them towards your chest, making sure to keep your feet flat on the platform and your back flat against the sled.
Pause at the bottom of the movement when your legs are at about a 90-degree angle, then push the weight back up to the starting position.
Repeat the exercise for the desired amount of reps, ensuring to maintain proper form throughout.
Tips for Performing Sled Lying Squat
Proper Form: As you push the platform away, make sure your knees are in line with your feet and do not buckle inward or outward. Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle at the bottom of the movement. Avoid locking your knees when you extend your legs, as this can lead to joint injury.
Controlled Movement: It's important to control the movement throughout the entire exercise. Push the platform away using your heels and the balls of your feet, not your toes. Avoid letting the weight slam back down after pushing it up. This can cause injury and doesn't effectively work your muscles.
Breathing: Breathe in as you lower the weight and breathe out as you
Sled Lying Squat FAQs
Can beginners do the Sled Lying Squat?
Yes, beginners can do the Sled Lying Squat exercise. However, it's important to start with a lower weight to ensure proper form and prevent injury. It's also beneficial to have a trainer or experienced gym-goer supervise the first few sessions to provide guidance and feedback. As with any new exercise, beginners should take it slow and gradually increase intensity as their strength and endurance improve.
What are common variations of the Sled Lying Squat?
Sled Pull: In this variation, you pull the sled towards your body, targeting your back, biceps, and hamstrings.
Sled Drag: You attach a harness to the sled and walk or run forward, focusing on your glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
Sled Row: Attach a rope to the sled and pull it towards you, similar to a rowing motion, working your back, biceps, and shoulders.
Sled Chest Press: Push the sled away from your chest, targeting your chest, triceps, and shoulders.
What are good complementing exercises for the Sled Lying Squat?
Deadlifts: Deadlifts complement Sled Lying Squats by strengthening the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes, which are all involved in the squatting motion, and can help to prevent injury and improve strength for better performance in the sled squat.
Calf Raises: Calf Raises are a beneficial addition to Sled Lying Squats as they focus on strengthening the calf muscles, which provide stability and power during the upward phase of the squat, improving overall squat performance.