Movement: Correct Lower Body Alignment when Lifting Weights

MOVEMENT.

When lifting weights for lower body be sure to maintain good alignment between your hip, knee and second toe. These pictures show the lower position of a squat.

Do not allow knee to "fall" in as this can lead to stress at the hip, knee and foot/ankle joints. Undue and repeated stress can lead to pain. The right knee is "at fault" in these pictures.

Using a mirror for feedback is helpful. What we feel is different than what we see sometimes, especially if repeating a familiar motion.

Everyday life application: maintain good alignment from hip to knee to second toe when working on squatting, hip hinging (more later on that!), lunging, picking up objects from the floor, picking up groceries, children or dogs.