How to Do the "Perfect Squat"

Squatting in gyms today is one of the most elusive exercises to get right.  I see people doing all types of things.  There is the people who don't go low, they kind of bend their knees with 600lbs on their back, wobble a little bit, and call that a rep.  Or there are the people who are a little better and they go almost to parallel, but they just aren't quite there.  Then there are people who's form is just atrocious.  But, then there are a few people who get it right.  To do the "perfect squat"

1. Get your feet slightly wider than shoulder width

Credit Goes to Men's Health

Start with your feet about shoulder width, and the widen them slightly until you get into a position that is comfortable.
2.  Put a reasonable amount of weight on the bar
Ok let's face it.  I love squatting, and I love doing a lot of weight.  However, if you have 600lbs on your back and you have horrible form, it doesn't matter how much weight you have, you will end up hurting yourself.
3. Move down with all of your weight on the heels.
Once you put the bar on your back with the bar resting on your traps go down slowly with all your weight on your heels.  Don't put any weight on your toes (except maybe when racking the weight)
4.  Go down to at least 90 degrees
Now here comes the most important part.  You need to go through the whole range of motion to make the squat count.  You need your legs to go at least 90 degrees or lower.  I like to go as low as I possibly can to get the most out of the squat. Just remember that you need to go "ass to grass".
5. Stand up straight
Well that's it once you go down, stand up straight, and you just completed the "perfect squat"

Posted in: Exercises