Why you need to use hands on squats?

[Conareefe]

When you are doing squats without the bar, I notice many people will do a lot of different things, like keeping the arms stretched out in front, or moving them while doing those squats, or just hold some weight close to them – is there any difference?

 

[SteveMobsterG]

I'll assume you mean bodyweight squats - no weights or any kind of resistance. Go with whatever version you like.

 

[Lev Butlerov]

If you are doing squats, the arms position won't change much in the situation. I think that people mostly do that in order to employ the arms as well while doing the legs. To say so, use their time more effectively. But I am not sure how holding your arms differently can affect the way you bend your legs...

 

[stevesmi]

with squats i will recommend 2 things:

1. box squats
2. front squats

this will eliminate any hand issues or poor form issues.

 

[muskate]

People do weird things. I don't know why people hold their arms in weird ways when doing bodyweight squats either. Maybe for balance?

If you are going to do something with your arms, I would hold a broomstick of your head with both arms fully extended. That will increase the amount of balance and core work you get from the squat workout. It will also force you to keep your head up and chest out. That ensures you are doing the squats with proper form.

 

[MasonicBodybuilder]

It could be a way for the person to make sure their back is not arching. Not really sure.