14 Mar How to Correctly Perform Squats and Lunges
Squats and Lunges. From the time we get serious about working out, these are two of the most common exercise moves we implement into our exercise regimens. They are easy to perform and provide a great workout for specific muscle groups. But how do you know if you are doing them correctly?
Even the most experienced gym lovers can make simple mistakes when performing these exercises, and beginners can often feel intimidated. So we put together a series of pictures outlining the right and wrong ways to do squats and lunges. (We also have one on how to properly perform planks.) Grab a partner and start practicing! Ask your partner to take pictures of your squats and lunges to compare to our examples.
Below, we show you how to do lunges and squats properly. Let’s start with the squats.
Move One:
Right or Wrong? Give yourself a high five if you said wrong! First, Cory is on his tip toes and his knees are pushed out over his toes (which will land you in our physical therapy department in addition to not benefitting your exercise routine). His arms are also angled toward the ground. That is definitely the wrong way to perform a squat. Be sure to keep your feet flat on the floor and your arms level to the floor.
Move Two:
Wrong, again. The feet are not flat on the floor and the arms are crossed over his body. Your arms should be level to the floor to help with balance. (You might feel like a ballerina, but believe us it helps. Plus, ballerinas are super fit.) Remember to keep your feet flat and your arms level to the floor. Also, keep in mind that your back should be straight.
Move Three:
Right! He is leaning slightly forward but his upper body is not over his knees. His arms are straight out, level with the ground, and his feet are flat. This is the perfect squat.
Let’s move on to lunges.
Move One:
Wrong. Although his back is straight, his front knee is pushed over his toes. Performing lunges with this form has a high chance of injury.
Move Two:
This is the correct way to perform a lunge. See how his front foot is flat to the ground and hit front knee is in line with his ankle and his back is straight. This, fellow gym lovers, is a good lunge.
What is your favorite exercise? Is there a specific one you would like for us to show you how to properly perform? Leave us comments below or on our Facebook.
If you have any questions about these exercises or planks, contact Cory for more information at 662-282-4949.
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