How to master the tutting squat for a full-body hip-hop workout
In short: Combining rhythmic arm movements with a deep squat, the tutting squat is an old-school dance move that doubles as an upper-body and leg workout. It requires precise coordination and muscle engagement to execute the sharp, geometric patterns without risking injury.
The tutting squat begins with a stable foundation. To protect your knees, place your feet wider than your shoulders and apply only a slight external rotation to your toes. Avoid yanking them too far sideways, as this can cause knee pain. From this position, bend your knees into a low squat while keeping your core engaged. Maintaining a forward-facing orientation for the toes is essential during this external rotation. This specific alignment helps ensure the movement remains focused on the legs rather than straining the joints.
The 'tutting' element involves the upper body. Start with your arms raised and fingers pointed toward your head, creating 90-degree angles. As you hold the squat, focus on contracting your biceps and engaging your shoulders, upper back, and upper arms. The movement is driven by rotating your wrists and flipping your fingers in and out of position. The technique relies on a specific 90-degree angle for the arms. By keeping the shoulders and upper back muscles actively engaged, you ensure the upper body portion of the exercise provides a genuine strength benefit.
While you can follow a basic pattern—moving your fingers in and out in a rhythmic sequence—the move allows for significant creativity. You can experiment with asymmetrical patterns, such as moving one arm up and one down, or adding varied hits and rhythms. To get the full benefit of the workout, try to maintain the low squat position for approximately 30 seconds. This sustained effort targets the shoulders, biceps, and legs simultaneously. The instructor suggests that you can even track your hand movements with your eyes to enhance the performance. Ultimately, the goal is to find a rhythm that allows you to feel the burn in your muscles.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Do a Tutting Squat Dance Move | Hip-Hop Workout
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