The Plié or Wide Stance Squat

The Plie or Wide Stance Squat is an excellent exercise for building strength in the gluts, quads and inner thigh (adductor) muscles.

This exercise involves a variation on foot placement that helps target your leg muscles in different ways than traditional squats. This can be a nice variation to add to your routine if you need a new challenge.

*Just take care when lowering down and only go as far as your flexibility will allow.

Set Up

Stand with your feet about a foot wider than your shoulders with your toes turned out. Hold your weight with both hands in front of your body (you can use a single weight, a dumbbell or a kettlebell).

Action

Bend your knees and ascend slowly lowering your butt until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your head forward, your back straight and your core engaged. Focus on contracting your abs and squeezing your glutes. Check that your knees don’t extend past your toes; if they do, widen your stance.

* Remember to distribute weight throughout the foot and heel.

* Repeat for three sets of 15 reps.

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