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How To Do the Squat

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 30, 2007

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How To Do the Squat - - Check Points

The squat with barbell

The squat with barbell

(c) Paul Rogers

Check Points

  • Don’t round the back forward, going down or coming up. A rounded back under weight can cause damage to the spine at the upper or lower end.

  • Keep the knees from extending beyond the toes if possible. However, this may not be possible with a parallel squat for some people, and is not necessarily dangerous depending on stability and flexibility.

  • Try not to look down -- look straight ahead -- or at least be aware of what your back and butt are doing.

  • Keep those heels planted firmly on the ground and the knees lined up with the feet and not splayed in or out.

  • Don’t start with weights that are too heavy.

Congratulations, you are now a squatter. Now move on to the next exercise, the chest press.

If you need to, check out the the top ten list and review the basic training and safety information.

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