How to improve your flexibility for squats so you can gradually build up to a bodyweight pistols (aka one legged squats)
First off you’ll want to get to the point where you are able to do a full bodyweight squat. People who are unable to do it usually don’t have the flexibility needed to go all the way down. One of the best methods to improve this are box squats, so you can progressively go to different heights.
Another thing you can do to speed up the progression is to play with your stance. Generally, most people are able to get into a full squat position if they spread their feet wide enough. Shoulder width or slightly wider should do it.
The same goes with your feet – if you just point them slightly to the outside, you’ll find that full squats are much easier to achieve. This isn’t the case for everyone, so try and play with it until you find out what works the best for you. As you get your feet closer and closer to each other, you’ll be able to get into a full squat position with your feet pointing straight ahead and finally with feet touching together. If you can get to this point – congratulations. It’s the same position as the one for a one legged squat.
Thus one method of progression you can use is getting your feet closer together for squats until you are able to do them with your feet touching together and then you should be ready for bodyweight pistols.
Detailed instructions on this and many other exercises are fully covered in my newest book, The Ultimate Guide to Squats and Pistols. Whether you are looking to increase your flexibility, work up to a hundred of reps, how to get to your first pistol or just learn more squat variations, this book has it all.