Why We Need to be Squatting More
Squats are considered one of the best exercises for overall strength and fitness.
Here are 10 reasons why:
Full-body workout: Squats engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, core, and even the upper body when performed with weights. This means that they are a highly efficient exercise for busy moms. Less time spent working out = more time to do cool things.
Builds leg strength: Squats increase leg strength, helping you jump higher, run faster, and improve everyday performance. It seems obvious, but making sure your legs are nice and strong will enhance your quality of life as you get older.
Functional movement: Squats mimic a fundamental movement pattern that we use in daily life, such as sitting down and standing up. They enhance functional fitness, making everyday activities easier. Functional fitness is an essential component to quality of life and vitality…. You need to be able to move around to go on adventures!
Increases muscle mass: Squats stimulate muscle growth in the legs and core. More muscle mass leads to a higher resting metabolic rate, which aids in weight management. More importantly, as we age, we naturally lose a little bit of muscle every year. In order to counteract this, it’s important to make sure we’re increasing our muscle mass with exercise and adequate protein intake.
Improves posture: Squats strengthen the muscles that support your spine, which can help maintain good posture and reduce the risk of back pain.
Enhances flexibility: Squats require mobility in the ankles, hips, and knees. Regular squatting can improve joint flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. To check and see if you’re squatting with proper form, check out my article on squat form here.
Boosts cardiovascular health: Squats will elevate your heart rate and provide cardiovascular benefits, especially when performed in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
Burns calories: Squats are a compound exercise that burns calories, which helps reach your activity goals every day.
Versatility: Squats can be adapted to various fitness levels and goals. You can perform bodyweight squats, goblet squats, front squats, back squats, or even single-leg squats to suit your needs. You can also add in weights to create more resistance and muscle building.
Mental toughness: Squats are a basic, yet challenging exercise that requires mental determination and focus. The discipline required to do exercise consistently will transfer into all other areas of your lives.
Remember that proper form is crucial when doing squats to prevent injury. If you're new to squats or strength training, it's a good idea to seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional to ensure you perform them safely and effectively.
Talk Soon!
Emily
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