From an article ...
First, place two flat exercise benches to form a V-shaped configuration. When seen from above, the benches should be spaced far enough apart at the opened end of the "V" to accommodate the width of your selected squatting stance.
Next, place a sturdy chair or box midway between these benches. This will serve as your loading platform for the weight you'll be using. Choose the heavy dumbbell or barbell plate you intend to use and place it on the makeshift loading platform.
The combined height of the loading platform and the dumbbell should approximate knee height when you're standing on the benches.
Next, step up and take a moderately wide stance of 18 to 24 inches astride the flat exercise benches and directly over the loading platform. The exact width between your foot placement is your decision. You must feel comfortable and safe. Position the *hip belt around the top of your hips and glutes. Attach a barbell plate or dumbbell to the hip-belt chain, positioning the weight so it fits snugly but comfortably near your crotch. Now come to an upright position, lifting the dumbbell off the loading platform. Have a spotter remove the loading platform.
Laterally rotate your feet out 45 degrees from parallel. The subtle action of rotating the feet out when combined with an 18 to 24 inch heel-to-heel stance will place stress on the outer edge of the foot where the power is, rather than on the weaker inner side of the foot.
Your body should be in an upright position where the shoulders and hip joints are in alignment. Never bow or hump your back so as to collapse your chest. If you do, your balance and weight will shift to your heels and put more tension on the spinae erector muscles, which is a problem associated with many thigh and back exercises, but not with the hip belt squat. So why mention it, Yukon Boy? Because I want you to get into the habit of always assuming a *flat-back position with a slight inward arch in your lumbar region.
Keeping your chin high and parallel to the floor will help your center of balance.