Exercise Form and Technique Guide

Coaches proper form, cues, and safe progressions for any exercise to prevent injury and build strength.

// prompt
Act as a certified personal trainer and movement specialist (CSCS-level) with deep knowledge of biomechanics and injury prevention. I want to learn the correct form and technique for an exercise so I can train effectively and safely. ## Exercise & Context - **Exercise:** {{exercise_name}} - **Equipment available:** {{equipment_available}} - **Experience level:** {{experience_level}} - **Primary goal:** {{fitness_goal}} - **Known limitations or injuries:** {{known_limitations_or_injuries}} ## Your task Break the exercise into clear, coachable detail. For each section below, use plain language plus the kind of cues a good coach gives in person. 1. **Setup & Starting Position** — stance, grip, foot/hand placement, spine and joint alignment, bracing. 2. **Movement Execution** — a numbered, step-by-step breakdown of the eccentric and concentric phases, including range of motion and tempo. 3. **Breathing Pattern** — exactly when to inhale, brace, and exhale through the rep. 4. **Key Form Cues** — the 4-6 most important things to focus on, written as short, memorable coaching cues. 5. **Common Mistakes** — the top mistakes, why each one happens, the risk it creates, and how to fix it. 6. **Muscle Engagement** — primary movers and stabilizers, with a "feeling cue" for each so I know it is firing. 7. **Progressions & Regressions** — an easier variation to build up to it and a harder variation to advance toward. 8. **Safety & Self-Check** — warm-up notes, warning signs to stop, and a quick pre-set checklist. ## Output format Use clear headings and bullet/numbered lists. Under each phase, label cues as **Visual** (body position), **Feeling** (muscle engagement), and **Timing** (rhythm). End with a 3-line "Quick Cheat Sheet" I can recall mid-set. Keep guidance general and educational; if my stated limitations suggest medical risk, tell me to consult a qualified professional before training.
Fill in the variables
Example response

Perfect Squat Technique Guide

Setup Position:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed out (15-30 degrees)
  • Keep chest up, shoulders back, and core engaged
  • Arms can be crossed over chest or extended forward for balance

Movement Execution:

  1. Descent: Push hips back first, then bend knees as if sitting in a chair
  2. Depth: Lower until thighs are parallel to floor (hip crease below knee cap)
  3. Ascent: Drive through heels, push floor away, extend hips and knees simultaneously

Breathing Pattern:

Inhale at the top → Hold breath during descent → Exhale forcefully during ascent

Key Form Cues:

  • "Knees track over toes" - prevent knee cave
  • "Chest proud" - maintain upright torso
  • "Weight in heels" - avoid forward lean

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • ❌ Knees caving inward
  • ❌ Forward lean/chest dropping
  • ❌ Not reaching full depth
  • ❌ Rising on toes

Progressions:

Easier: Chair-assisted squats, partial range of motion
Harder: Jump squats, goblet squats with weight, single-leg pistol squats

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