Method
The first goal in this five step progression is to build up the mobility needed for the full squat.
This will be the key to your success with the more advanced skill you want to achieve at the end of this program.
If you still tend to fall backward in the bottom position of the full air squat or lose your balance otherwise, you should consider spending a few more weeks building up a proper full squat first. Allan Thrall posted a video on this.
Once you established a comfortable and stable stance at the bottom of the full squat, we will go through a four-step progression recommended by the Tapp Brothers. We are splitting the first phase in two and start with a supported air squat.
- Air Squat Full
- Chair Pistol
- Rail Pistol
- Elevated Pistol
- Pistol Squat
During two weeks you will build up to a few sets of 8 and then 10 repetitions for each stage.
This five step progression will systematically build up the following fitness factors:
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Rhythm
- Strength
Don’t rush through the phases. It’s always better to repeat the same once again until you feel ready to complete each repetition of each set smoothly and with perfect form.
In the first phases, you should repeat the same workout three times in a week or on every other day. Starting from the chair pistol you can reduce to two workouts per week. This should give your legs and especially the knees enough rest to recover for the next workout.
Do only start your next workout when you feel fully ready and well to perform such intensive exercises. Stop working out immediately in case you should feel any kind of pain.
You can skip a phase if it is obviously way too easy for you.
Program Structure
WEEK 1: Supported Air Squat
Three Times Per Week: Supported Air Squat
Start building up the required mobility to perform the full squat.
Basic squat cues apply:
- stand shoulder width apart
- push the knees out
- sit your butt down
- keep your back flat
Build up to 3 sets of 8.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 2: Deep Squat
Three times per week: Deep Squat
Increase the repetitions per set to ten.
Build up to 3 sets of 10.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 3: Deep Squat Stretch
Three times per week: Deep Squat Stretch
Hold the position at the bottom for 10 – 30 seconds on every repetition. Establish a stable comfort zone at the very bottom of your full squat.
Build up to 3 sets of 10.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 4: Chair Pistol
Two times per week: Chair Pistols
Perform a negative pistol sitting down on a chair behind you and get back up the same way.
Build up to 3 sets of 8 (each leg).
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
Starting from this phase you will reduce the number of workouts per week to two to give your legs and especially the knees enough recovery.
WEEK 5: More Chair Pistol
Twice per week: Chair Pistol
Increase the number of repetitions to ten.
Build up to 3 Sets of 10 (each leg).
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 6: Supported Pistol
Twice per week: Supported Pistol
Support yourself with a rope, towel or something similar wrapped around a rail or door handle. Execute a pistol squat trying to depend on the support as little as possible.
Build up to 3 sets of 8 (each leg).
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 7: More Supported Pistol
Twice per week: Supported Pistols
Increase the number of repetitions to ten.
Build up to 3 sets of 10 (each leg).
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 8: Elevated Pistol
Twice per week: Elevated Pistol
Perform a pistol standing on a small block, rail or wall. Lower yourself down, if possible without touching the floor.
Build up to 3 sets of 8.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 9: More Elevated Pistol
Twice per week: Elevated Pistol
Increase the repetitions to ten.
Build up to 3 sets of 10.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
WEEK 10: Pistol Squat
Twice per week: Pistol Squat
Perform a pistol squat off the floor.
Build up to 3 sets of 8.
Rest 1 to 5 minutes between each set or as much as needed to feel completely ready for the next set.
You got it – Congratulation!
Impress your friends with a pistol squat the next time you see them!
We would love to hear your experience with this programs too.
Exercises Used
References
How to Pistol Squat – 4 Beginner Progression Steps – Tapp Brothers on YouTube
How to Squat with TERRIBLE mobility – Allan Thrall on YouTube
Health Disclaimer
As always Fit Drills presents you this information for educational purposes only. We cannot take any responsibility for any of your training activities and recommend you to always discuss them with a professional fitness trainer.
Author: Fit Drills AG, Andreas Schneider
Last Updated: 2017-11-12
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