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Squats for the Buns, Hips and Thighs

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated November 13, 2007

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Choosing Your Squats and Safe Squatting

So, now you have some idea of different types of squats you can do but how to you choose? If you're just trying to get strong and healthy or maybe lose some weight, any type of squat will do. If you're a beginner, starting with the body weight squats and slowly moving up to the weighted squats is the best way to go. As you get really good at it, you can start on the more advanced variations (front squats, barbell squats and one-legged squats). Wherever you start, squatting is an excellent exercise that will work every part of your lower body!

Tips for Squatting Safely

1. Keep the weight over the ankles and keep the heels on the floor throughout the movement.
2. Keep the knees in line with the toes.
3. Try not to go lower than 90 degrees.
4. Keep the knees behind the toes.
5. Keep the shoulders back, a natural arch in the lower back, and the head and neck in a neutral position throughout the exercise.

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