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How to Squat Below Parallel: Mobility Fixes and Technique Adjustments
Strength Training10 min read2026-03-31

How to Squat Below Parallel: Mobility Fixes and Technique Adjustments

Squatting below parallel requires adequate ankle dorsiflexion, hip mobility, and thoracic spine extension. This guide identifies the most common restrictions and provides targeted mobility work and technique adjustments for each.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.Ankle dorsiflexion restriction is the most common barrier to squat depth — the knee-to-wall test identifies it in 30 seconds.
  • 2.Full-depth squats produce significantly greater glute activation than partial squats at the same load.
  • 3.Hip 90/90 stretching targets the hip capsule and external rotators that limit squat depth.
  • 4.Thoracic spine stiffness causes forward lean in the squat — foam roller thoracic extension addresses this directly.
  • 5.Widening the stance and elevating the heels are immediate technique adjustments that improve depth while mobility work progresses.

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