Workshop gym, no. 14

Mini squat

A small squat with something to hold. Builds the strength to get up from low seats and out of the car, without going all the way down.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

Stand behind a sturdy chair and hold the backrest with both hands.
Feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward.
Bend your knees and push your hips back a little, as if starting to sit.
Go only a quarter of the way down, keeping your heels on the floor.
Push through your heels to stand tall again.

Easier

Bend even less, just a small dip.

Harder

Go a little deeper, or pause for three seconds at the bottom.

Knees

Keep your knees over your toes, not caving in. Any sharp pain, stop.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.