Between Jen Selter and squat challenges all over Pinterest, it seems like everyone is making this simple move a go-to exercise. But if you’re not doing it right, you can seriously hurt yourself. We asked trainer Adam James Gallo of The Loft Collective NYC to help us perfect our technique.

Besides following the below pointers, Gallo also stresses the importance of standing up out of the squat correctly. Try to screw your feet into the ground, and don’t let your knees turn in when pushing back up. You want to direct the pressure outward, rather than in, to keep everything aligned. This will also ensure you’re working each muscle as best as possible, and that you maintain proper form, with your knees never jutting past your feet.

Valerie Fischel
How to Do a Squat