04.23.12 WOD

“Regardless of what the problem is, the answer is to squat.”

Those are the words of CrossFit founder and CEO Greg Glassman.

“People who do not know how to squat do not have normal hip function, don’t have normal leg functional,” he says in this medley of clips paying homage to the movement. “They can’t jump, run, throw or punch correctly.”

As a fundamental movement, the squat is a building block to every other movement in CrossFit, says HQ trainer Pat Sherwood.

“Do this well and everything else you do will fall into place,” he explains. “Do this poorly and everything else is going to be a little challenging for you.”

Every part of the body must be engaged and tight in the squat, Sherwood notes.

“If you find yourself down in the bottom of the squat and you’re just kinda chillin’, you’re probably not squattin’ right,” he says.

For those feeling averse to the squat, Glassman has a simple question: “What is the preferred method for getting your ass off the toilet seat?”

Strength:

Deadlift 3x5 at 75% of 1RM

WOD:

13 AMRAP

5 push ups

10 squats 

5 Windshield wipers (on pull up bar)

1 Back Squat 175/125