Check Points

• Don’t round the back forward, going down or coming up. A rounded back under weight can cause damage to the spine at the upper or lower end.
  
  
• Keep the knees from extending beyond the toes if possible. However, this may not be possible with a parallel squat for some people, and is not necessarily dangerous depending on stability and flexibility.
  
  
• Try not to look down -- look straight ahead -- or at least be aware of what your back and butt are doing.
  
  
• Keep those heels planted firmly on the ground and the knees lined up with the feet and not splayed in or out.
  
  
  
  
• Don’t start with weights that are too heavy.