Squats are one of my all-time favorite butt toning moves, and with pools opening in two weeks and beach weather on it’s way, it’s time to start doing mass quantities. NOW.

Done correctly, squats do wonders for your lower body. But just as with any exercise, squats can do serious damange if done in bad form.

When performing a squat, you want to start off by placing your feet about shoulder width apart, toes turned slightly out. As you begin the squat, concentrate on keeping your weight in your heels. Your knees should stay over your feet, and the top of your hip should be below or level with the top of your knee before rising.

My favorite way to hold my arms is straight out in front of my body. This helps with balance. You can also raise your hands straight above your head, which will help ensure correct back position.  

Start out with three sets of 10 and work up from there. Take a brief breather in between sets or do some lunges like I do!

Keep in mind that squats can place a lot of stress on your knees. A wider stance (feet shoulder width apart) can reduce knee stress, which a more narrow stance increases it. As with any exercise, if you experience pain, stop and consult a doctor.

Once you’re comfortable with the squat, you can move on to more advanced moves, such as the jump squat or by adding a barbell or body bar.