A post shared by Nate Harvey (@nateharvey2600) on

The cues for close stance squatting are really the same for close stance squatting as wide stance, the execution just isn’t as extreme. This is mostly because people have an easier time hitting the positions on the close stance. Those who claim wide stance squatting is cheating because it’s easier to move more weight, will typically get their ass kicked when they go out wide because they don’t have the over all hip strength to be out wide. I know, I was one of these people.

When you are narrow it’s as simple as ‘reach your butt’, ‘roll your knees out’ and ‘lean forward’ until you’re on the box. Then, PAUSE ON THE BOX, keep your feet in the floor, keep your stomach out, don’t rock back when your on the box, and drive your shoulders into the bar as hard as you can. All these things will help keep a vertical shin angle and load the glutes and hamstrings like everyone talks about but rarely does.

Close stance box squatting is usually done for max effort every other or every 3rd week. It can also be done as a second barbell movement at the same frequency.

SQUAT BOXES