Shrimp Squat Tip

Still struggling to do your first shrimp squat? Try this!

You may have already seen the exercise called “Shrimp Squats – Negative” in the exercises list, a program or skill training of this app.

It is easier to explain the negative, or eccentric, phase of an exercise if we start by defining its opposite: the concentric phase.

The concentric phase is when we contract the targeted muscles to produce power. Simply put, when performing a pull exercise, the concentric phase is the act of pulling, and when performing a push exercise, the concentric phase is the act of pushing.

The negative, or eccentric, phase of an exercise is the opposite of the concentric phase.

The eccentric phase could be compared to loading, while the concentric phase would be comparable to firing.

In the case of squats, the negative phase consists in bending the legs to lower the body, while the concentric phase consists in extending the legs to stand up.

Negatives are a great way to build strength when we are not strong enough to perform the concentric phase of an exercise, and this is why shrimp squat negatives are often prescribed to those who are still unable to do a full shrimp squat.

But here is one more tip to build shrimp squat strength even faster when practicing negatives: try pausing for 2 seconds just before your knee touches the floor. It might be too hard in the beginning but this is what you should try and focus on when doing this exercise. This will allow you to build enough strength to finally push yourself back up with one leg.

You will find this exercise's video for free on our app for illustration.