How To Upgrade Your Back Squat | Form Check

The back squat is a core training staple that can build size and strength in your lower body—but are you sure you're even doing the exercise correctly?

For this basic gym necessity, you shouldn't settle for anything other than perfect form—especially because it's such a simple, essential movement that should serve as one of the centerpieces of your training plan. Let Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and associate fitness editor Brett Williams guide you through the move's subtleties, saving you from the bad habits that are keeping you from unlocking your fitness potential.

Before you grab your barbell and drop down as low as you can go, take note that it's extremely important to pay attention to the subtleties of the movement here. You're not just bending your knees and letting the load take you down to the floor—their are other important cues you have to remember to do the squat correctly, especially once you start working with heavy weight.