SQUAT EXECUTION:

(1) With the barbell on a rack, step under it so that it rests
across the back of your shoulders, hold on to the bar to balance it, raise
up to lift it off the rack, and step away. The movement can be done with
your feet flat on the floor or your heels resting on a low block for support.
(2) Keeping your head up and back straight, bend your knees and
lower yourself until your thighs are just lower than parallel to the floor.
From this point, push yourself back up to the starting position.

It is important to go below parallel in this movement, especially
when you are just learning the exercise, so that you develop strength
along the entire range of motion. If you don't go low enough in the beginning,
you could injure yourself later when using heavier weight. Foot
position to some extent determines which area of the thighs you work
the most while doing Squats: A wider stance works the inside of the
thighs to a greater degree, while a narrower stance tends to work the
outside more; toes turned out hits the inside of the thighs. The basic
stance for greatest power is usually feet shoulder-width apart, with toes
turned just slightly out.



This post has been edited by arekey: Dec 9 2010, 02:54 PM