Belt To Heels: My Favorite Directional Squat Cue

There are many, many different squat cues that have utility, and can be a great tool in helping to create consistent and repeatable squat patterns. With that said though, all cues are not created equal. Based on a lifter’s leverage, sex, bodyweight, technique mechanics, kinesthetic awareness, and more, cues can apply differently to each individual. Some people may get a lot of the cue “sit back”, while others it completely messes up their squat. Directional cues in particular like “sit back” , “knees forward”, or “knees out” can apply very differently based on a lifter’s mechanics, as some lifters may not need to sit back much at all, while others will have less forward knee travel. There is one directional cue that I find tends to have more utility though, as no matter a lifter’s anatomical breakdown, they tend to fall within a range of this cue having application to their biomechanics. Its utility then comes down to if the internal application helps a lifter self-align their technique better, which for some they will, and for others this might not work. And that cue is “belt to heels”. In part 1 of my latest YouTube, I break down the “belt to heels” cue by first explaining the application and utility of directional cues in general.  As explained previously, I discuss why some directional cues are going to apply differently to each individual. I then explain what the “belt to heels” cue is, why it tends to work so well, and some key elements to get the most out of this cue. And lastly, in a special 2 part series, my athlete Natalie Richards has filmed a full video (CLICK HERE) detailing the application of this cue from the athlete perspective, so make sure to head to her channel to check out part 2. For Part 1, click the link above to view!