If you’ve been in the gym long enough, you’ve probably heard the phrase “below parallel” tossed around when talking about squats. But what does it actually mean—and more importantly, why should you care? At BayWay CrossFit, we emphasize quality movement. And when it comes to squats, one of the biggest game-changers for your fitness goals—whether you’re chasing muscle growth, fat loss, or better joint health—is making sure you’re squatting below parallel correctly and consistently. What Does “Below Parallel” Mean? Squatting below parallel means your hip crease drops below the top of your knees at the bottom of your squat. It’s a full range of motion squat, as opposed to stopping short (a partial squat). While some folks avoid going deep due to old injuries or bad habits, training to squat below parallel with proper mechanics can actually improve those very issues over time. 1. Strength Gains That Translate to Real Life When you squat below parallel, you recruit more muscle fibers,...