For Beginners:
Floor Squat
Stand with feet wider than shoulders and place hands on the floor, ball or a chair (depending on flexibility). Bend knees and, keeping weight in the heels, lower butt until it's parallel to floor (or as low as you can). Keep abs in and make sure you can see your toes.
Ball Squat
Stand with about hip or shoulder-width apart and place an exercise ball behind your lower back and against a sturdy wall for support.
If you choose to hold weights, you can keep them at your sides, hold them just over the shoulders or prop them on the upper thighs.
Bend the knees and lower into a squat, keeping the knees in line with the toes.
Lower down as far as you can (but no lower than 90 degrees) and push into the heels to go back to starting position.
Do 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps.
For Travel:
TipToe Squat
With feet wider than hips, squat down and place hands on phone book in front of you. Raise up on the tips of your toes. Staying on tiptoes and fingertips, lift hips up towards the ceiling and straighten the knees as much as you can. Squat back down and repeat, staying in tiptoes the entire time. Modify by placing hands higher (on a chair or bed).
Got the basics? Add some Weights:
One Dumbbell
1. Stand with feet hip- or shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold a medium-heavy dumbbell in front of your body with arms straight and elbows slightly bent.
3. Bend the knees and lower into a squat. Stop when your knees are at 90 degree angles OR before you lose the natural arch of your back.
4. Contract the glutes and legs while stabilizing your body with a strong torso.
5. Slowly stand back up without locking the knees and repeat for 1-3 sets of 10-16 repetitions.
6. Always keep the knees in line with the toes!
Two Dumbbells
1. Stand with feet hip- or shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold medium to heavy dumbbells in each hand just outside the thighs or with arms bent above the shoulders.
3. Bend the knees and lower into a squat. Stop when your knees are at 90-degree angles OR before you lose the natural arch of your back.
4. Contract the glutes and legs while stabilizing your body with a strong torso.
5. Slowly stand back up without locking the knees and repeat for 1-3 sets of 10-16 repetitions.