Squats are one of the best exercises you can do to build strong muscles in your legs and butt, as well as improve balance. It is one of the most effective exercises for building and maintaining muscle mass while also improving bone density. Not only that, but squats also increase flexibility in your hip flexors, helping with mobility issues. So, if you’re looking for an exercise routine that will help tone up those thighs or get a six-pack, squats are perfect!
Squat Check List
When you squat, your hips should be pushed back and down with an extended spine. This will allow for a more natural curve in the torso while still using all of your muscles to stabilize yourself. The barbell should sit on top of the traps near the neck, which allows it to balance easily when doing squats. You may also want to hold the bar to your chest for more stability if you prefer the front grip.
In a squat, you should bend at the knees and hips simultaneously until they are parallel with the ground or lower if possible. If this is difficult then don’t worry – it’s okay! You can start out by bending your knee as low as you comfortably can while also elevating your heel to assist you with getting your hips lower. With time and practice, you will be able to deepen your squat and move efficiently.
At the bottom of a squat, make sure that both knees are in line and take a look. If you have a knee that is higher than the other, this may be an indication of Femoral Acetabular Impingement and will require further evaluation by your doctor or physical therapist to see if any surgery needs to take place.
Why You Should Squat Daily
- It strengthens your core muscles, quads (thighs), hamstrings, and glutes – all of which are important in maintaining proper lower body movement and posture. Strengthening these muscles will help you in increasing your athletic performance, sprint speed, vertical jumps and provides a strong base for those heavy lifts.
- It improves flexibility and range of motion in the joints which can help prevent injury. When you squat deep, you involve the full range of motion which helps in mobilizing the joints and the muscles around.
- In this era of working from computers, your legs are rested in an unnatural position which causes weakening of muscles ultimately leading to immobility or imbalances. When you squat regularly, you activate these muscles from time to time and provide stimulation that the muscles need to keep you up and running.