Help! I've Squatted and I Can't Get Up!

Unlike toes, which are happy to forge boldly ahead, knees like to hang back a little where it's safe. So when you're squatting or lunging, don't put your knees ahead of your toes. When you look down in a squatting position, you should be able to see your toes. If you don't see your toes, your knees will take it badly and (ahem) get all out of joint.

Here's the right way to do a squat: Keep your knees over your ankles and scoot your butt back and down as if reaching for a chair behind you. You should never see your knees shoot over your toes. If you do, you're putting too much stress on your knees. While we're on the topic of squats, try to keep your eyes forward or up. This will help you keep your back straight, instead of rounded (another squatting no-no).

Attack of Big Foot

It's All in the Wrist!

Last week, I saw some guy waterskiing on the treadmill. He had the speed and the incline cranked while he held on for dear life to the console. I advised him to slow down a little and swing his arms but he refused. "I burn more calories this way," he insisted, pointing to the LED display. I tried to point out that the treadmill didn't know he was waterskiing instead of running but I don't think it registered. The fact is, if you're leaning on a console when using a stair-climber or hanging off a treadmill, you're not getting the exercise you programmed into the machine. Your arms ‑- and wrists and elbows ‑- are bearing more than their fair share of the load. If you lean over on the stair-climber or treadmill, you're also straining your lower back.