If you’re about to start a weight training program, learning how to squat is going to be a must-do. There’s no question about it, squats absolutely must be included in an effective workout program and the squat technique that you use will largely determine the success that you see.

If you’re using poor squat technique then not only will you not see strength gains, but you could wind up seriously injured as well.

Let’s go over some of the main points to remember regarding how to squat properly for best results.

Keep The Head Facing Forward And Back Upright

First things first, when learning how to do squats, you always want to think of keeping your head facing forward or slightly elevated. This is going to really help ensure that your back stays upright as you move into the squat position and prevent you from leaning forward and placing excess strain on the back joints.

While you definitely don’t want to be looking at the ceiling, focusing slightly above parallel is a wise move.

Watch The Knee And Foot Placement

Second, the next thing to remember about how to squat is to make sure to watch your foot and knee placement. In order to prevent knee injury, be sure that they are moving directly over the toes, and have the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.

Placing the feet too close together will place high amounts of strain on the hips and knee joints, really setting you up for injury with that poor squat technique.

Go All The Way Down

In order to see the best benefits from your squats, be sure that you move through the full range of motion. Many people get to 90 degrees and stop, thinking that’s all they should go down.

Not so. If you really want to call your glutes into play, aim to go down even further – as far down as you can comfortable go while maintaining good squat technique.

This is where you’ll really recruit all the major muscle fibers and see significant strength gains.

Try Variations

Finally, don’t forget to try out a few squat variations as well. Movements such as the single leg squat or the sumo squat are great for targeting the muscles from a slightly different angle and allowing you to see even greater benefits.

Add them in at least once a week and you’ll also keep workout boredom at bay.

So there you have everything to know about how to squat properly. Don’t miss out on all the benefits that this exercise has to offer.

 

Danny Kettoola