Perfect Squats

Squatting exercises are one of the best exercises for increasing strength in your legs, glutes, and core. If performed correctly it can be very beneficial in injury prevention during everyday life. On the other hand, if performed incorrectly, squats can become a source of injury. So, it is very important for squats to be done with good form. To insure this, watch yourself in a mirror while performing a squat and make sure your mechanics follow specific guidelines. I will give some guidelines for you to follow as well as examples of easy/beginner squats. If you are still uncomfortable with jumping into squats on your own, get the help of a fitness professional to assist you.

· If you are squatting with added weights (barbell, dumbbell, etc.), it is best to do them in the afternoon or evening. Early morning squatting can cause extra stress to the back.

· To prevent knee pain, keep your knees behind your toes throughout the entire squat and keep your stance slightly wider than shoulder width. Also, point your feet at 45 degree angles.

· Keep your eyes forward (good time to have a mirror in front of you) and back neutral.

· Take a deep breath (allow your belly to expand with your breath) as you squat down and hold that breath and belly tension until you are on your way back up.

· When doing the squat, stay on your heals and sit back like you are going to sit in a chair.