HOW TO DO DEEP SQUATS SAFELY

SQUATS are a standard leg strengthening exercise, but they can be so much more, too, depending on how you do them.

By managing a deep squat, you’re helping hip, knee and ankle flexibility, and lower-back mobility. Doing them safely is key, however.

A good way to ease into the position and maintain good posture is to hold on to something – a bannister or garden gate, for instance.

Follow these simple steps.

STAND about a foot away from your support, with feet a little wider than hip width and toes pointing outward very slightly.

USING the support for balance, start to bend at the knees, pushing the hips back, and squat down – imagine you’re sitting down on a chair. Keep your back straight, chest up and face forward.

GO down to where you’re comfortable and, leaning back slightly for stability, stay there for five to ten seconds, before coming back up. Use the support as much as you need to.

TRY repeating five times, and each time aim to get a little lower. The goal is to one day get to a full squat – with your bottom by your heels. Once there, you can gently rock from side to side to give your hips an extra stretch.