Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
how to do a proper squat
A proper squat involves maintaining a neutral spine, keeping your weight balanced across your feet, and ensuring your knees track in line with your toes while moving your hips back and down.
To perform a basic squat, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes pointed slightly outward. Engage your core and keep your chest up. Initiate the movement by pushing your hips back and down, as if sitting into a chair, while keeping your weight balanced across your entire foot. Ensure your knees track in line with your toes and do not collapse inward. Lower yourself to a comfortable depth—ideally until your thighs are parallel to the ground—while maintaining a neutral spine. Drive back up through your heels to the starting position, keeping your movements smooth and controlled. Breathe in as you descend and exhale as you rise. If you are a beginner, start with bodyweight squats or use a chair for support.
- Setup and Stance. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out, and keep your chest up with your core engaged to protect your spine.
- The Descent. Initiate by pushing your hips back and down, keeping your weight distributed across your entire foot and ensuring your knees do not cave inward.
- Depth and Control. Lower to a depth that is comfortable and stable, ideally until your thighs are parallel to the floor, while keeping your back neutral.
- The Drive. Drive back up through your heels, maintaining a controlled, smooth motion and keeping your chest lifted throughout the ascent.
Sources
- Squats: Benefits, Proper Form and Tipshealth.clevelandclinic.org · published January 16, 2026
- How to Squat: The Definitive Guide • Stronger by Sciencestrongerbyscience.com
- How to Squat Properlyhealthline.com · published April 1, 2026
- How to Do a Perfect Squatnytimes.com · published April 25, 2025
- Video: Squat exercisemayoclinic.org
- How To Do A Squat Safely And Correctly - Acibadem Hospitals Groupacibademinternational.com · published July 16, 2026
- How-To Squat Correctly: Technique, Benefits & Muscles Workedbarbellmedicine.com · published March 8, 2024
- How to Squat: Proper Form, Depth & Common Mistakes — Strength Insiderstrengthinsider.com · published May 8, 2026
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