04.16.11
Squatting for Champs
The squat used to always be a feared exercise for me. My knees would hurt, my back would ache, and I would always feel like I was about to fall over.
After a few months training with Matt Makara, a grad student at Mason, I have come to love squatting. My form these days could pass any competition standards. Because I know many people must feel the way I used to about it, I want to share some tips on how you can get a better squat.
Starting from top to the bottom:
- Keep your head forward, looking and focusing as if you’re trying to see something in the distance.
- Place the bar as low on your shoulders as will comfortably and safely rest.
- Take deep breaths, and hold your breath during the squatting motion.
- While squatting, bend your knees outward (this will greatly help with the motion).
- Keep your toes pointed outward, and your feet resting a few inches past your shoulders.
- Rest the majority of the weight on your heels.
With these key tips, my comfort and strength squatting grew with each passing workout.
Here’s a video that provides a good visual demonstration: