10 Workout Exercises You’re Doing Wrong
10. Squats
Squats are absolutely wonderful for your core, upper abs, legs, and thighs.
However, most people don’t realize that the squat is one of the most dangerous exercises to perform, especially if you’re doing them with weights.
Why is the squat so dangerous? Because form is crucial to its safety, and breaking proper form while doing a squat could subject you to very serious injury.
In order to perform a proper squat and minimize your risk of injury, follow these steps. You should start using light or no weight.
As you squat down you should keep your chest pushed up high and poke out your buttocks at the bottom of the move. This will help to minimize back injuries. When you reach the bottom you should be on your heels as though you are preparing to sit in a chair.
If you are new to doing squats, you might actually want to practice this form in the mirror by sitting on an actual chair or medicine ball without weights. That way you can get the form down before you at any weight, and you can sit down if you need to.
When you begin to push back up you should engage the muscles of the buttocks and squeeze to protect the muscles of the back and stabilize your entire body. The finish point should be back at a full straight up and down figure.
If you have the opportunity to perform your squat sideways in a mirror, this will really help you keep your form. Throughout the entire exercise, you should be able to draw a straight line from the center and top of your head through the bottom of your feet. If that line is ever shifted or out of balance, you need to adjust your form.
