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Deep Squat Mobility for Stiff Hips and Ankles

A progressive routine for hips, ankles, and adductors. Use support, elevate heels if needed, and build depth slowly.

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Before you start

Move gently and stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, numbness, or symptoms that feel unsafe. This routine is general fitness guidance, not medical care.

Exercises

1. Knee-to-Wall Ankle Rock

2 sets · 8 reps · 15s rest · both sides

Rock the knee toward a wall while the heel stays grounded. Keep the foot arch from collapsing.

Steps

  • Face a wall with one foot in front.
  • Keep the front heel planted.
  • Drive the knee toward the wall.
  • Keep the knee tracking over the middle toes.
  • Rock back and repeat.

Cues

  • Heel stays planted.
  • Knee over toes.
  • Arch stays active.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the heel lift.
  • Collapsing the foot inward.
  • Forcing the knee into pain.

2. Adductor Rockback

2 sets · 8 reps · 15s rest · both sides

One leg out to the side, rock hips back until the inner thigh stretches. Keep the spine long.

Steps

  • Start on hands and knees.
  • Extend one leg out to the side.
  • Keep the foot flat or heel grounded.
  • Rock hips back until the inner thigh stretches.
  • Return forward with control.

Cues

  • Spine stays long.
  • Rock hips back.
  • Inner thigh stretch.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the back heavily.
  • Twisting away from the extended leg.
  • Forcing a painful groin stretch.

3. Supported Squat Descent

2 sets · 5 reps · 3s hold · 20s rest

Hold a door frame or counter and slowly lower into your best squat. Pause before standing back up.

Steps

  • Hold a door frame or counter.
  • Set feet in your squat stance.
  • Lower slowly into your best comfortable squat.
  • Pause without bouncing.
  • Stand back up with control.

Cues

  • Use support.
  • Slow descent.
  • Comfortable depth.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping quickly into the bottom.
  • Forcing depth before ready.
  • Letting knees cave inward.

4. Deep Squat Hold

2 sets · 30s hold · 20s rest

Hold the lowest comfortable squat. Shift gently and breathe, keeping heels supported if they lift.

Steps

  • Lower into your comfortable squat.
  • Use support or elevate heels if needed.
  • Keep the chest relaxed and tall.
  • Shift gently side to side.
  • Breathe slowly through the hold.

Cues

  • Support if needed.
  • Heels supported.
  • Breathe low.

Common mistakes

  • Forcing heels flat when the body is not ready.
  • Collapsing into the lower back.
  • Holding through hip or knee pain.

5. Cossack Squat

2 sets · 5 reps · 20s rest · both sides

Shift into one side with the other leg straight. Use a shallow range first and keep the working heel down.

Steps

  • Stand with feet wide.
  • Shift toward one side.
  • Bend the working knee while the other leg stays straight.
  • Keep the working heel down.
  • Push back to center and switch sides.

Cues

  • Stay shallow first.
  • Heel stays down.
  • Knee tracks toes.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping too deep too soon.
  • Letting the heel lift on the working side.
  • Twisting the knee inward.