Squats 101: How to do a Squat

Hey guys today is going to be a quick workout post about one of the best exercises you can do...The Squat. Squats are one of the best functional exercises there is. The compound movements will work the large muscle groups to help with overall strength and movement. Lets get down to the mechanics...

Starting Position: You want to start out standing tall, with your back straight, feet a little more than hip-width apart and in a straight line. Your toes should point slightly out (about 5-20 degrees), shoulders relaxed, and chest lifted. Look straight, with the arms extended in front of you, and squeeze your glutes so that your pelvic region is in symmetry with the imaginary straight line drawn from your left foot to the right.

Start Squatting: Look straight ahead, keep your back straight, and engage your core. Inhale, push your buttocks out, and start bending your knees. Your weight should be on your heels and NOT on your toes.

Full Squat: Push your buttocks out and look straight ahead. Sit down with your body weight on your heels. Your knees should not overshoot your toes. Go down until your hip joints are lower than your knees. If your hip joints are not below the level of your knees, it’s a partial squat.

Well there you have it. You can start out by using only your body weight, then working up to holding either a dumbbell/kettle bell, and finally working you way up to a barbell. Good luck.

Thanks for reading. Take care and stay safe out there,

Pete