How Far Apart Should Your Feet Be?

Posted by afitman040506 on March 13, 2009 under General Fitness, Strength Training | Be the First to Comment

With today’s post, I want to take the time to address a question that pops up quite frequently when working with my clients.  How far apart should my feet be?  This question usually comes up when performing exercises such as the squat, deadlift, romanian deadlift, and leg press.  It also applies to a wide variety of other exercises, but I think these four will provide the best visual.

Generally speaking, there is no “correct” answer to this question.  Or, should I say, there is no “incorrect” answer to this question.  Your stance can be wide, narrow, or somewhere in between.  There really is no “wrong” stance.  It’s more a question of, “what is the goal of the exercise and exercise program?”  Each stance will provide a different training effect.  I personally will use specific stances to achieve a specific training effect.  However, for most individuals who workout on their own, I recommend they vary their stance from time to time to keep the stimulus fresh.

In conclusion, don’t get too caught up with the width of your stance.  While stance width will provide for specific training effects, most general exercisers will benefit from incorporating a variety of stances into their program.

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