A squat counter that knows your depth

What counts as a squat

FormMate measures the knee angle and the hip position from the side. A rep is counted when the hips drop to at least parallel with the knee and you stand back up to a straight leg. If you stop above parallel, the counter simply waits; it does not add a rep and it does not scold you. On the next rep that reaches depth, it counts.

Three depth standards

• Lenient. Just above parallel is accepted. For beginners, tall lifters, or knees that are still learning the movement.
• Standard. Parallel. Hip crease level with the top of the knee.
• Strict. Below parallel on every rep.

Setting up the phone

Side-on, roughly knee to hip height, far enough back that your whole body is in frame at the bottom of the squat. The skeleton overlay shows you what the camera sees. If the hip or knee is cut off, step back or move the phone.

Lunges too

Lunges are a separate exercise in the app. Side-on again, and the counter tracks the front knee angle down and back up. Alternating legs is fine; the count is per rep, whichever leg is forward.

Cues you will hear

"Sit back and down." "Keep your chest lifted." "Drive through your feet." For lunges: "Drop the back knee." "Push through the front heel." One at a time, spoken between reps. The count is spoken on every rep so you can keep your eyes forward.