Power turning squats

[paulababy]

Why can't I do these? They just kill me! I usually end up just doing small squat jumps as a modification, but I'd love to know if there's a "trick" to doing these. I can't seem to make it all the way around!
Paula

 

[fitnessangel]

Are you referring to the squat jumps that you do a 180 degree turn on the halfway on the step (I think Bmax2 and Imax2)? They are tough to do at first. You just have to make sure that you are picking up your foot that is on the floor when you are about to do the "turn". I would start by doing them on the floor and then working your way up on the step. Also, plie plyo jumps really helped me master the power turning squats (allowing me to go deeper into the squat). Sorry I can't be more of a help.

 

[rose2boys]

I can't do those "as-is" either. I do the same number of squats, i just jump over the step facing the same wall in between each squat instead of turning to opposite wall as she does.

Like sideways lunges (i think that's waht they're called), but w/a squat instead of lunge.

I hope i explained it clearly enough. Anyway, this is still a very tough move - it's great!


rose2boys

Keep smiling & sweating!

 

[paulababy]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I just did IMAX2 this morning (from the August rotation) and struggled with them again. I'll try both your suggestions. Thanks again!!
paula

 

[kathryn]

I don't do them 'as-is' either, but I take elements from the move as a substitution. I've done various substitutions, depending on my mood!
1) do the turn and jump, but keep it on the floor instead of one foot on the step.
2) keep one foot on the step, and keep the jump, but don't do the turn (so it's an 'uneven plyo squat.'
3) (haven't done this one, but it would work for those that are done on the long edge of the step): do as a squat with one foot on the step, propel over the step, squat with one foot on the step on the other side

 

[cottagecheeks]

Squat low and push off as hard as you can with the leg that is on the step. When I push down on that thigh with my hand it seems to give me some extra oomph. I find a lot of moves difficult but I love these for some reason.

 

[nenita]

I love to do these, but with my bad knee I have been trying to go easy on them. I did do half of it in IMAX2 today though, and the only thing that I notice that I do is to jump while equally pushing on both feet and using my core and upper body at the same time. When my right foot is on the step, I use it to push me up, while I use my left foot on the floor to push off and my core to give me momentum, then use my upper body to lead the spin to the other side and land with another squat. I also keep my knees soft and my legs partly bent while turning.

Another thing you could try is practicing without the step. Stand with your feet apart and practice jumping and turning at the same time, then try it while squatting.