16/01/2022
Squats!
With every single client, I always include this exercise as part of a programme. Key reasons to why are listed below ⬇️
▪️ Strengthening of the core
When you’re holding weight and moving through multiple planes of motion, the body must work hard to remain stable and not fall over. This, in return, strengthens the core as a whole, which includes the lower back, inner spinal stabilizers, mid-back, obliques, and abdominal musculature.
▪️Improved mobility
Repeatedly performing squats train your joints to move through multiple planes of motion. Adding weight to your squats over time will result in strength at both the bottom and top of a squat. That newfound squat strength carries over everyday life.
▪️Fat burning
The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn during the day. Since the squat strengthens multiple large muscle groups at once and requires an abundance of energy to execute properly, you’ll increase the number of calories you burn during this exercise as compared to an isolation movement such as a leg extension
▪️Injury prevention and stronger joints
The squat improves knee and hip stability, which can help remedy a lot of issues associated with imbalances. Along with fixing imbalances and weaknesses, the squat can be a great tool for assessing deficits we may experience when lifting. Adding squats into your routine will help the functioning of your joints, again making everyday life easier.
▪️Posture
When you improve your core strength and lower extremities, you improve your posture. Posture is influenced by both anterior (front) and posterior (back) muscles, creating a healthier body. When performed with proper form, squats can improve our hip health by combating things like the act of sitting all day
source:
Escamilla RF. Knee biomechanics of the dynamic squat exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001
Strength and Conditioning Journal: December 2014 - Volume 36 - Issue 6 - p 4-27