Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your toes pointing straight ahead or slightly turned out. Bend at your hips and knees and grab the barbell with a slightly wider than shoulder-width grip.

Keep your back straight, chest up, and hips slightly higher than your knees. Your shoulders should be directly over or slightly in front of the barbell.

Take a deep breath and engage your core. Push through your feet and stand up, extending your hips and knees simultaneously. Keep the barbell close to your body throughout the movement. Lock your hips at the top, then drop the barbell if heavy or lower down with strength and control.