SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lift-squat-depth-standard

In a basic squat, how low should you lower your hips?

Until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as far as is comfortable.

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  1. Until thighs are parallel, or as far as comfortable ✔
  2. Only a few inches, never deeper
  3. Until your back rounds at the bottom

Why: Cleveland Clinic's squat steps say to lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as far as you are comfortable. Keep a neutral spine instead of letting your back round.

Huh, didn't know that: A Cleveland Clinic sports doctor says it is safe to squat deeper as strength and mobility improve, if you are not having pain.

The dad joke
Why did the squat bring a level to the gym? It wanted to be a parallel thinker.
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References

Answer: Until thighs are parallel, or as far as comfortable. Cleveland Clinic's squat steps say to lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as far as you are comfortable. Keep a neutral spine instead of letting your back round.

  1. Cleveland Clinic: Squats, Benefits, Proper Form and Tips health.clevelandclinic.org/proper-squat-form
    Lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as far as you’re comfortable.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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