Why can't I squat with good form?

Author: Archibald Hahn  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

The hips play a huge role in squats, which can be a problem when your hips are tight. Tightness in the hips can lead to low back issues among other problems. Work on your hip flexibility by doing controlled articular hip rotations (also known as Hip CARs) and 90/90 stretches as part of your warm-up on squat days.

Why can't I do a good squat?

There are a few reasons why people struggle to squat properly - Poor ankle mobility, poor hip mobility, poor spinal mobility and poor motor skills. In this article we'll cover how to fix these issues and learn to squat properly.

Why is it so difficult for me to squat?

​If you can't squat down- Your muscles are stiff

While performing squats you have to push your hips out and squat down, while keeping your spine neutral and thighs parallel to the ground. In case you are finding it difficult to go down, then it might be because your hips muscles are not that flexible.

How do you get good form when squatting?

The correct form for performing a squat in weight training involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and then bending at the knees and lowering your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Be sure to keep your back straight and your chest up throughout the motion.

Why is my squat form so bad?

A weak squat can be caused by muscular imbalances, mobility challenges, poor nutrition and recovery, overtraining, and incorrect form. If you're asking 'why is my squat so weak', it's likely a cause of one of these problems, but each one has a solution that can help improve your weak squatting.

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How do you fix a poor squat form?

A “Textbook” Squat Looks Like a Baby Squatting
  1. Your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart with toes slightly turned outwards.
  2. Keep your upper back straight and torso upright.
  3. Your weight should be in your Heels.
  4. Your knees stay behind your toes.
  5. Lower than parallel so that your hips are below knee height.

Why do squats never get easier?

One of the major reasons for not breaking your squat plateau is an incorrect technique. The poor squat technique will take you so far, but as the load increases, weak areas will give way and form will deteriorate. For so many avid gym-goers, this is where the squat plateaus.

How many squats a day?

Men and women: 3–4 sets of 15–25 reps (total 45–100 squats); you can start incorporating variations like sumo squats or goblet squats. Add weights or resistance bands to increase intensity, focus on proper form and allow rest days for recovery.

Is it normal to struggle with squats?

This is a common issue when squatting, and it often occurs because of weak glute muscles. To correct this issue, focus on pushing your knees out during the squat, engaging your glutes, and making sure your feet are properly positioned.

Why is squatting so hard for me?

Not only does it use around 200 muscles to perform a squat (that's around a third of all the muscles in your body), it also requires triple extension: that means you're bending through three joints – your hips, knees and ankles – at once.

Are deep squats bad for your knees?

A: No, deep squatting is not inherently bad for the knees.

Will 20 squats a day make a difference?

For beginners, doing 20 squats a day can be a great way to start building strength and endurance. However, if you are looking to see more significant results, you will need to gradually increase the number of squats you do over time.

Do squats reduce belly fat?

Belly fat poses significant health risks but can be tackled with indoor exercises like jumping rope, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, smart bikes, treadmills, and burpees. These activities can enhance cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility, while effectively burning calories and reducing belly fat.

How to get deeper in a squat?

Start out in a “normal squat” stance, but make your feet a bit wider and your toes a bit more turned out. Lower your body while sending your hips backward, as if aiming for a very low seat or stool, until your hips are as low as they can go. You may feel like you are sitting between your feet.

Why is my squat so poor?

You're Working Out With Poor Squat Techniques

Often, the issue is related to improper techniques, such as incorrect depth, alignment, or grip strength, causing inefficient force transfer. Muscle imbalance, where one muscle group overpowers the other, also leads to a feeling of weakness.

What are the disadvantages of squats?

Some of the downsides of squats include:
  • Harder on knees and back: Because you don't have the support of a machine, your back and knees have to carry more of the load while doing squats. ...
  • Difficult technique: It takes longer to learn proper squat form and add weight safely.

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