Cossack Squat
The Cossack Squat is a squat variation that opens the hips and uses bodyweight as load against the joint. Athletes will need a fair amount of adductor mobility as well as squatting strength to complete the movement smoothly.
- Type Of Exercise: Strength
- Muscles: Quadriceps, Glutes, Hips, Hamstrings
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Equipment: Body Only
Cossack Squat
![Cossack Squat 1 Cossack Squat Beginning](https://www.gymnasticbodies.com//gymfit/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cossack_squat-1.jpg)
![Cossack Squat 2 Cossack Squat End](https://www.gymnasticbodies.com//gymfit/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cossack_squat-2.jpg)
![Cossack Squat 3 Cossack Squat](https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/gymfit/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Cossack-Squat.jpg)
- Assume a wide standing straddle stance with your toes turned out slightly.
- Squat down as low as possible on your right side, keeping your left leg straight.
- Check to make sure your right knee is tracking over the center of your foot and not drifting inward.
- Stand all the way up before transitioning over to your left side, extending your right knee and bending your left knee.
- Pause, check your knee position, and continue to repeat for reps.
- For help balancing and squatting lower, hold a light weight out in front of you during the squats.
![Cossack Squat 4 Deck Squat](https://www.gymnasticbodies.com//gymfit/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SLSPE5.jpg)
- Exercise: Deck Squat
- Type of Exercise: Strength
- Muscles: Quadriceps, Glutes, Hips, Hamstrings
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Equipment: Elevated Surface
![Cossack Squat 5 Side to Side Squat](https://www.gymnasticbodies.com//gymfit/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SLSPE7.jpg)
- Exercise: Side to Side Squat
- Type of Exercise: Strength
- Muscles: Quadriceps, Glutes, Hips, Hamstrings
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Equipment: Body Only