The arms forward for balance, the hips sit back and the knees bend only part of the way, staying above parallel, then drive back up: the mini squat NHS knee programmes start with, loading the knee less than a deep squat.
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Squat family
Sit squat (partial squat)
Easier option
These tiers compare demands within this family, not universal safety or a mandatory sequence. Load, range, balance and your circumstances can change difficulty. Choose deliberately; pain does not select a progression.
The arms forward for balance, the hips sit back and the knees bend only part of the way, staying above parallel, then drive back up: the mini squat NHS knee programmes start with, loading the knee less than a deep squat.
DemandEasy
Equipment requiredBodyweight
Muscle focusQuads · Glutes · Hamstrings
The figure gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.
Watch this variation on the 3D figure above: it gets into position, then repeats the movement.
Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.
How to move
Stand with the feet shoulder-width apart and the arms forward for balance.
Sit the hips back and bend the knees part of the way down, staying above parallel.
Drive back up to standing.
Form cues
Hold a counter or a chair back if you need support.
Go a little deeper as it gets easier.
Practice and cautions
No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.
This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5