Blog Layout

3 Tips to Master Paused Squats We Use At Our Glasgow Bootcamp

Learn To Lift Training • March 29, 2025

3 Tips to Master Paused Squats We Use At Our Glasgow Bootcamp

Paused squats are a staple exercise we love incorporating into our Glasgow Bootcamp at Learn To Lift Training. They’re fantastic for building strength in the bottom half of your squat—the toughest part of the movement. 


Whether you’re new to squatting or a seasoned lifter, mastering paused squats using the tips we use at our bootcamp in Glasgow can take your performance to the next level.


This squat variation is more challenging than the standard version, with most people lifting 5 to 20 kg less due to the pause. But when done right, paused squats offer incredible benefits, boosting your regular full-speed squats and setting you up for new personal bests (PBs).


Here are three expert tips from our Glasgow Bootcamp to help you nail paused squats and maximise your gains.

Glasgow Bootcamp - 3 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Paused Squats

1. Stay Tight at the Bottom of Each Rep


At our bootcamp in Glasgow, we emphasize staying tight at the bottom of your paused squats. Start by bracing your core and holding your breath at the top before descending. Maintain that tension and hold your breath while pausing at the bottom. This technique keeps your body in a strong, safe position, making it easier to power back up once the pause is over.


Proper bracing can be the difference between a clean, controlled rep and a shaky one. While some advocate exhaling slightly and rebreathing during long pauses, we generally stick to holding the breath for standard paused squats at our Glasgow Bootcamp—it’s the most effective approach for most lifters.


2. Come to a Complete Stop Before Counting the Pause


A common mistake we see at our bootcamp in Glasgow is lifters slowing down near the bottom but never fully stopping before counting their pause. To get the full benefit of paused squats, come to a dead stop before you start counting. This eliminates the stretch reflex—where your muscles store energy as they stretch during the descent—forcing your body to work harder from a static position.


We encourage squatting below parallel (hip crease below the knee) at our Glasgow Bootcamp, as it’s a great standard for range of motion. Struggling with depth? Check out our article, 3 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Squat, for hip and ankle mobility tips to enhance your paused squats.


3. Pause for a Quick 2-Count


Time can feel like it drags at the bottom of a paused squat, tempting you to rush the pause. At our bootcamp in Glasgow, we recommend a quick 2-count in your head before standing back up. This standardises your pauses, making progress easier to track. For example, pausing for 2 seconds with 80 kg versus just 1 second with 85 kg skews your strength gains and you aren't comparing like for like.


A 2-count strikes the perfect balance—long enough to challenge your muscles, but short enough to keep the movement efficient. It’s a technique we’ve perfected at our Glasgow Bootcamp to ensure you get the most out of every rep.

Bonus Tip: Avoid the Extra Dip


After the pause, some lifters dip lower before standing up, using the stretch reflex to “rebound” out of the hole. At our bootcamp in Glasgow, we coach you to drive straight up after the pause instead. Skipping the dip makes the lift tougher, but it builds greater strength and translates better to regular squats.


Putting It All Together


Mastering paused squats with the approach we use at our Glasgow Bootcamp is simple: stop fully at the bottom, stay tight, and pause for a 2-count. Pair this with solid squat fundamentals (check out our article, The Anatomy of a Good Squat), and you’ll see serious improvements in your strength and technique.


Join Our Glasgow Bootcamp for Expert Coaching


Ready to perfect your paused squats with hands-on guidance? Our bootcamp in Glasgow offers expert coaching to help you nail this exercise and more. 


At Learn To Lift, we’re here to help you squat stronger and smarter. Take a look at our   Bootcamp Glasgow page and drop us a message to sign up today!

Why Bootcamp Is Better Than The Gym in Glasgow Banner
By Learn To Lift Training March 22, 2025
Discover why a Glasgow bootcamp like Learn to Lift in the Southside beats the gym. Community, expert coaching, and real results—start your fitness journey now!
Build Your Bench Press With Learn to Lift Training Glasgow Banner
By Learn to Lift Training March 15, 2025
Boost your bench press with Learn to Lift Training’s Glasgow Bootcamp and personal training in Glasgow. Expert tips on technique, programming, and nutrition!
Strength Training Tips for Beginners in Glasgow Banner
By Learn To Lift Training March 8, 2025
New to lifting? Get expert strength training tips from Learn to Lift Training in Glasgow. Learn how to start your fitness journey today!
Learn To Lift Training New Logo
By Learn To Lift Training March 5, 2025
Discover the refreshed Learn To Lift Training logo. Read more to find out how it reflects our Glasgow personal training mission & goals!
Learn To Lift Training Bootcamp Glasgow New Block March 2025
By Learn To Lift Training March 1, 2025
The new block of the Learn To Lift Bootcamp Glasgow kicks off on Tuesday the 4th of March. Learn more information about the Bootcamp and how to sign up.
Glasgow Bootcamp - Increase Your Bench Press Top Tips
By Learn To Lift Training February 28, 2025
The Bench Press is perhaps the iconic gym based exercise and an excellent upper body strength builder. Here's our top tips to increase your Bench Press!
Glasgow Bootcamp - 3 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Trap Bar Deadlifts
By Learn To Lift Training July 12, 2021
Trap Bar Deadlifts are a fun Deadlift variant and a one that can give you a big bang for your buck. Here's our top 3 tips you can use to improve yours!
Glasgow Personal Training Tips - Overcoming Poor Leverages To Build A Good Deadlift Banner
By Learn To Lift Training July 5, 2021
If like me you don't have the best leverages for Deadlifts, they can be challenging to develop. Learn more about the strategies that helped me to overcome this!
Glasgow Bootcamp - Is Bootcamp good for weight loss?
By Learn To Lift Training June 30, 2021
In our latest instalment of addressing the most commonly asked Bootcamp questions online we will be looking at how it can help people achieve their goals!
Personal Training Glasgow - Close Grip Bench Press Top Tips
By Learn To Lift Training June 21, 2021
The Close Grip Bench Press is an excellent bench press variant to use in your training. Here's our top tips to help you in mastering the movement!
More Posts
Share by: