Squats -- Without Hurting Myself?

How do I do squats without hurting my knees? 

Squats are a great tool for strengthening your legs. When done properly, you will see and feel fantastic results. Once you learn to do them properly, you can add weights, which will further increase the benefits and speed of results. You will love this exercise.

The 6 “don’ts” of proper squatting
 

• Don’t bend the knees only; instead bend at the hips and knees.

 

• Don’t put your weight in your toes; keep your weight more toward your heels.

 

• Don’t let your knees move inward as you are going down.

 

• Don’t let your knees come out over your toes.

 

• Don’t go too deep until you feel comfortable and strong enough to keep this proper form.

 

• Don’t let your chest fall forward.

 Start with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward, and abs tight to protect your back. Your goal will be getting your thighs practically parallel with the floor. A good starting tip is to go into your kitchen, grab the kitchen sink with both hands and begin to sit back. Your arms should be completely extended as you are sitting back.

Proper squats should strengthen your glutes and legs (quadriceps and hamstrings), but they should never hurt your knees!

When you begin to stand up, squeeze through your glutes and straighten your legs, but NEVER lock your knees! Keep your knees slightly bent/soft. You can gradually add weight once you feel comfortable with proper form. There is no point in doing squats if you aren’t doing them correctly! Contact us with any questions.  We are here to help!