Wednesday Wisdom - Do You Know Squat?

Squats are a great way to work the entire lower body including giving yourself a little 
"lift" on your back side.  Let's find out if your form is up to par or if you could clean up a 
few things to enhance your squats. 

Starting Position:  feet slightly wider then hip-width apart with your toes slightly turned 
out (similar to 10 and 2 on a clock).

Action:  Slowly bend your knees and lower down as far as you can, preferably until butt is just above 
knee height and heels stay on the floor.  Make sure your knees stay inline with your toes (and do not 
move inward our outward) significantly.  Slowly return back to start position.  To ensure you work 
the gluteal (butt) muscles to the fullest, keep your weight in the heels as you sink down and push 
heels through the floor on the way up.  Keep your core muscles engaged at the bottom of the squat 
to protect the back.

Modifications:  If squats bother your knees, try not to go so low and see if that alleviates the 
discomfort.

Progressions:  hold onto weights, jump squats, one-legged squats (advanced), or go lower on a 
regular squat