Exercise of the day: Squat with overhead press

I love combo moves because it's a challenge for whole body coordination & strength, which makes them much more functional!


Squat: Reach backwards with your hips as if you are trying to sit down on the toilet.  Your shin should stay straight (perpendicular to the floor) as your knee bends to a 90 degree angle.  Make sure you can see your toes at all times!

Overhead press: Begin with arms up to shoulder level, elbows bent to 90 deg, and dumbells roughly parallel to your eyes.  Press upwards and straighten elbows until hands meet overhead.

Combo:  As you squat, lower your arms to the starting position.  As you come up from the squat, press.

Here is a great video from you tube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xlMnEkE30

Notice how her back remains straight at all times with a good curve in the low back and her head up.  Also, her hips are moving behind her, not down.

Doing a squat with proper form will prevent knee injuries and pain, and also will give you stronger and nicer looking leg muscles!