The Overhead Squat (OHS) is a primary assessment tool used by NASM Certified Professionals. It is designed to assess dynamic flexibility, core strength, balance, and overall neuromuscular control. There is ample evidence in the scientific literature to support the use of traditional movement assessments. Because it is a multi-planer (2 planes of motion) exercise and multijoint, the professional trainer can observe certain movement patterns that indicate areas of movement impairment and muscular imbalances. These may be the result of alterations in available joint motion, muscle activation, and overall neuromuscular control that can point to elevated injury risks (both in and out of the fitness environment.
Some individuals may not be able to perform this exercise. For them, we can regress and have them perform other assessment exercises to determine their dynamic postural imbalances.