Weight Lifting - Squats
Squats are the single most important exercise in weight lifting. Squats affect major parts of your body. They are NOT back exercises. Keep in mind that when you are about to propel yourself up from the bottom position, the power comes from your hips. Squats provide the foundation for building strength.
Because they are so important and you will be carrying heavy weights, it is imperative that you maintain proper former and use correct technique at all times. It is easy to get hurt if you don't do squats properly.
Some people think that squats are bad for their knees. This is an example of the danger of bad form. If people got knee trouble from squatting, they were probably not doing them correctly. If done right, squats will make the muscles and tendons around your knees stronger.
Start with the empty bar and do 5 sets of 5. Always start with a few warm-up sets and proceed to your workout weight and do 5 sets at that weight. You will get strong quickly and will be able to add weight every week or every workout. Don't try to progress too quickly.
Many people have told me that when they get up to a pretty heavy weight, they start losing weight quickly around their mid-section. This is an added bonus if it happens for you.