what is the proper technique for doing squats (btw, I'm talking about weightlifting)...

[rnmcd]

I must have the wrong stance, posture, or movement because I just feel so out of balance with I do squat....regardless of the amount of weight.

 

[MrChicken]

Actually it varies based on body type.

The most important things are to have a proper arch to your back, this means that your butt goes back first and then you go down, and to go slow esp at the top and bottom of the lift.
Your spine naturally curves toward you belly button, that's the arch you want to maintain.
You go slow to prevent momentum from tearing up your tendons and ligaments, a quick change of direction or stop plays hell on you joints.

Many will disagree with this, but i prefer full squats. That's where you go all the way down, a$$ to the grass. A lot of people will tell you that you are killing your knees that way, but i disagree. Doing full squats reduces the amount you can lift tremendously and will lighten the load on your joints and lower back.

Start light as you learn and get somebody that knows to watch you and correct you. Do them slow and you get stronger faster and you wont get hurt.

 

[Mrburns2007]

Depends on what your trying to do, if you want to build your quads then you should stop when yours thighs get to parallel, going below parallel and your buttocks and thighs begin to be used more.

The problem of balance has to do with the amount of weight and feet position, to little weight can actually cause you to feel unbalanced.

 

[DougyDanger]

Do your knees, back and muscles a favor....ask a professional who can show you how to do it right and tell you what you are doing wrong. Most injuries in lifting are from bad technique. Learning good technique can only be done in person with someone telling you what you are doing wrong. Besides, how do you know the answer you get on here is even right? It assumes people have credibility. I've seen LOTS of bad technique being shown in gyms....by dopes who think they know what they are doing because they read a magazine or were told by some other dope who they believed for some reason.


Squats can be the most harmful exercise to do wrong. Learn how to do it right the right way, from a professional.

 

[PunDogg]

Linkage, boo yea

 

[rnmcd]

Are there any weightlifting instructional videos that you would recommend?