Barbell Squat

      Barbell Squat

Muscles involved: hip, knee and spinal extensors

Form: stand with feet shoulder width apart. Place barbell across the upper back, right above the scapulae, not on the neck. Grasp the barbell with both hands, brace core, inhale and squat, flexion at the hip, knee and ankle, with knees remaining behind the toes. Drive your weight through the heels as you exhale and return to the start position.

Cautions: if the client has problems with neck, shoulder or spine, other squat positions should be chosen

Trainer techniques: Cue breathing, contractions in gluteals and quads, watch for proper position of the spine and pelvis, and observe the motion at the hip, knee and ankles. Spot with hands under the rib cage.