Center for Young Women's Health

Printer-FriendlyPrinter Friendly

Tone It Icon Lower Body: Squat

 

Muscles Used: Hamstrings (Mid Rear Thigh), Gluteus Maximus (Buttocks), Quadriceps (Front Upper Thigh)

 

Equipment Needed: None

 

Instructions:

  1. Stand up straight, with knees slightly bent.
  2. Place feet hip distance apart.
  3. Make sure toes are pointing forward.
  4. Keep shoulders even as you complete this exercise.
  5. Bend elbows and hold both arms in a boxer position.
  6. Maintain proper back alignment—with ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line. (see photo A)
  7. Sit in a squat position by bending your knees and squeezing your quadriceps muscles. Pretend you are sitting in a chair. (see photo B)
  8. Lower your body past the sitting position for a more advanced exercise. (see photo C)
  9. Balance your body weight by pressing your weight through your heels, not your toes.
  10. Be sure to keep your knees over your ankles, not past toes. (see photo B)
  11. Inhale (breathe in) as you squat down.
  12. Exhale (breathe out) as you stand back up, squeezing your hamstrings and gluteus muscles.
  13. Repeat exercise for a set of 8.

photo of young woman demonstrating the squat (position a)
(photo A)

photo of a young woman demonstrating the squat (position b)
(photo B)

photo of a young woman demonstrating the squat (position c)
(photo C)

Remember:

previous next

 

Tone It Home.Fun Fitness Home.Fitness Team

 

 

---

 


©1999-2008 Center for Young Women's Health

Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.

About Us - Contact Us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use

Health Guides By Topic - Health Guides A-to-Z - Guías de la Salud A-a-Z

 

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

 

Health Guides A to Z
Guias de la Salud A a Z
Health Guides by Topic
Nutrition and Fitness
Sexuality and Health
Health and Development
Gynecology
Emotional Health
Guides for Parents
Quizzes A to Z
Guys' Guides
CYWH Logo CYWH
Center for Young Women's Health Center for Young Women's Health Children's Hospital Boston Children's Hospital Boston
Photo of Peer Leaders Meet Our Peers
Welcome
About Us
Meet Our Peers
Upcoming Events
Health Chats
Join Our Email List
For Healthcare Providers
Contact Info
YoungWomensHealth.org is made possible by funding from the Children's Hospital League