Prisoner Squats
Exercise Overview
Prisoner squats are a bodyweight lower-extremity strengthening exercise performed with the hands behind the head to encourage an upright trunk. They are used clinically to improve quadriceps, gluteal, and core control while reinforcing squat mechanics for daily activities.
Muscles Involved
QuadricepsGluteus maximusGluteus mediusHamstringsAdductor magnusErector spinaeRectus abdominisTransversus abdominis
Related Conditions
Patellofemoral pain syndromeKnee osteoarthritisGeneral lower-extremity weaknessDeconditioningHip weaknessImpaired squat mechanics