The Biggest Squat Mistake – And How to Fix It Instantly

The Biggest Squat Mistake – And How to Fix It Instantly

The squat is one of the most powerful exercises in the world – and one of the most butchered.
Most people get it wrong. And it’s costing them results, stability, and even their knees.


1. The #1 mistake: Knee-first squatting

Many people initiate the squat by bending their knees forward instead of hinging their hips back.

Result:

  • Pressure on the knees

  • Lost balance

  • Weak glutes and hamstrings

  • Shallow depth and poor form

🧠 Your knees should follow – not lead.


2. Fix it instantly with this cue

"Hips back, then down."

Visualize sitting on a box behind you.
This shifts the load to your hips and glutes, protects your knees, and lets you go deeper safely.

Checklist:

  • Chest up, core tight

  • Push hips back before bending knees

  • Keep knees in line with toes

  • Weight on mid-foot to heel


🔁 3. Use this drill to relearn your squat

Try box squats:

  • Set a box behind you at knee height

  • Sit back and lightly touch it – don’t collapse

  • Stand up with power from your glutes

This reinforces the hip hinge and improves control.


🧱 4. Build from a solid foundation

If your squat form is wrong, adding more weight just builds dysfunction.

Instead:

  • Film your squats from the side

  • Practice bodyweight squats with perfect form

  • Master the basics → then load them

Your body will thank you. Your results will explode.


🔥 PulseCore Takeaway

Bad form isn't a badge of honor – it's a sign you’re rushing.
Slow down. Rebuild your squat.
You'll unlock more strength, more power, and fewer injuries.

Back to blog

Leave a comment