Squatting is an innate movement, but our sedentary lifestyles often diminish our ability to perform the move. To achieve your proper form, trainer Julia Ladewski, CSCS, recommends visualizing a toddler learning to stand. Keep these cues in mind the next time you perform this exercise:
- Begin the squat by hinging at the hips and pushing your butt back.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor, balancing your weight evenly.
- Keep your chest up, shoulders pulled back, and spine neutral.
- Engage your core by bracing it throughout the movement.
- As your knees bend, keep pushing your hips back so your weight stays balanced in the middle of your feet.
This originally appeared in “Expert Answers: How Low Do I Need to Squat to Get the Full Benefits?” in the May 2017 issue of Experience Life.
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