I keep hearing people talk about how wonderful squats are and I'd like to do them. Problem is...I've never done them before and don't know the proper way. Does someone have advice on this, or even just a link to a good site with the info I'm looking for? I can do searches myself, but as I can't recall ever seeing anyone actually doing squats at my gym, I wouldn't be able to tell if the page was right or not.

Thanks in advance for the help!

I liked this description
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cyberpump1.htm
but there are lots of variations (toes pointed out so you can work different muscles, the sumo squat, feet closer together, feet farther apart- i've done them all!) but the description is the basic squat and does not actually require that you use the bar (as in the pic) or any weight for that matter. If you are starting out you could try doing it over a bench or low chair and sit down (keep your back straight!) until your bum ALMOST touches- don't actually sit and then slowly raise yourself up to a standing position. You can also use free weight in your hands. My personal favorite is to have an exercise ball between my back and a wall (with a couple of pounds in each hand) and leaning back into the ball for support (back straight and parrallel to the wall)go down into the squat. It just helps me go down deep. Just remember no matter what, keep your knees from going over your toes. Your knees and ankles should be at a 90 degree. SQUEEZE your buns as you lift yourself up! If you are doing them right (and squeezing your buns) you will see results. Trust me. Good luck.

Found a pic with hand weights:
http://www.shape.com/workouts/93
I also recommend the 'walking lunges' that are described under it. Woo!

Sumptuous.com is one of my all time favourite sites (this woman rocks, I think I love her. If only she wasn't taken already )!

First, for great pictures of her doing squats with good form, step by step, click on "Training", then go down to "exercise instruction" and click on "from gym dork to gym diva", then click on "squat". I keep these pics stuck to my wall near the weights to remind my boyfriend of the correct form!

Then for more info, look at her four part "learning to squat" guide. From the main page, click on "Training", then scroll down to "exercise instruction" and you'll see links to the four parts:

part 1: debunking the myths
part 2: why squat?
part 3: how to squat
part 4: tips and tricks

I would include direct links here but it's all set up in frames so you'll have to click through it yourself. You'll probably find heaps of other stuff that will interest you while you're looking around

When I decided to start doing weights and my discovered that my boyfriend really didn't know the proper form for any of the exercise, this site was my bible. I still use it a lot but now supplement with additional exercises and info from www.exrx.net, which she recommends.

Em

Thank you both very much! The information and pictures are really helpful. I'm going to have to start slowly, but will do this!

EmmaB is right, stumptuous.com rocks. It has a wealth of lifting info.

I was going to try them today, but my knee hurt so badly when I tried one (I think I injured it a bit fencing yesterday) I am going to wait until it feels better to start them. Will certainly post here and my journal with my progress.

I went to stumptuous.com and it was wonderful! VERY informative, while still being informal and FUNNY!