*Free squats

Print this exercise

Free squats are a body weight exercise. You may do them holding on to a stable object for balance and support or you may do them without holding on. Traci is demonstrating them in the above video while holding on to a stable object.

Squats can be performed a variety of ways with a variety of stances. We'll describe a general squat here that is probably the most common squat performed.

Standing with feet shoulder width apart begin the squat by lowering your butt first. Take care not to allow the knees to go past (further forward than) the toes at any point in this exercise. Lower to a comfortable depth. It is acceptable to go as low as you want so long as the knees do not go past the toes or the heels do not come off the floor. Begin the upward part of the exercise by using the legs to push with the feet until you are back in the original, upright position. Take care not to lock the knees at the top of the exercise.

A very important note about kids and squats

Kids should never add resistance to a squat by placing weight on the back or shoulders. Their bodies are not ready for this type of pressure. It is better to have the kids increase the number of repetitions they are doing if they need more of a challenge. They may also increase their rep range (the distance they are traveling) to increase difficulty.

Alternative exercises:

all Leg Exercises
all Exercises