How to Squat Correctly

Squatting. This is a big one that is easy to get wrong.

So how do you squat correctly?

I've included a video of me doing a squat with correct form along with a list of 8 of the most important squatting tips. By no means are my squats perfect. I don't allude to that. But I can highlight the essentials where most people go wrong.

1. Set-up. Make sure you set up correctly. Feet just over shoulder width apart. Toes pointing forward. Feet flat. Keep your heels planted on the ground at all times. DO NOT come up onto your toes at any point.

2. Stay tight. You want to make sure that you stay tight through the squat. Keep abdomen tensed as you go down and up.

3. Breathing. Take a breath on the way down, and exhale as you drive the weight back up.

4. Knees. PUSH YOUR KNEES OUT. There is a temptation to allow your knees to fall inwards. But this is poor form, and could lead to injury. Remember to keep them knees pushed out at all times during the squat.

5. Hips back! Don't just squat straight down. From your standing position, you should push your hips back first, only then do you start to bend your knees and sink into the squat.

6. Chest up. Don't allow your torso to sink forwards when you're in the bottom position. Keep that chest high!

7. Flat back. Your back should stay straight at all times during the squat. Do not allow it to curve at any point.

8. Depth. A lot of people neglect this one. You want to aim to break parallel. This means going down until your waist line is in line with, or lower than your knees.

Most importantly. Remember to enjoy your training - that's what it's all about.

That and gainz, of course.