Earning the title “King of All Exercises,” the squat is a staple for everyone. No other move works more muscles below your waist, and no other move will help you look sexier in a pair of jeans. 😉
Okay, But Why Should I Squat?
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 biggest benefits of proper squatting:
1) Gain strength & build muscle
We all know squats are a killer leg exercise – working more muscles below your waist than any other exercise (quads, hamstrings, adductors, glues, and calves included). But squats are more than just a leg exercise; your abs and lower back muscles stabilize your torso and your arms support themselves or weights. Surprise! Squats work your whole body from head to toe.
2) Burn fat!
The more energy you burn, the more fat you burn. Squats burn more energy than any other exercise by working more muscles than any other exercise. As an added benefit, the more muscles you gain, the more energy (and fat) your body uses doing everyday things or even while resting.
3) Strengthen bones & joints
Studies show squats can improve bone density – making bones stronger and less likely to break. Squats also strengthen the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues around your knees, hip, and ankle joints – protecting them against injuries. The key is to squat with proper form so you strengthen your joints instead of stressing them.
4) Increase flexibility
It’s a common misbelief that squatting will make you bulky and stiff. When in reality, many people discover how inflexible they truly are while trying squats for the first time. Squats can’t make you inflexible because you must be flexible to squat! Practicing each week, pushing deeper into the exercise, and moving your legs through a full range of motion will quickly improve your flexibility!
5) Improve functionality
Squats are one of the most foundational functional movements in our lives. Anything from getting out of a chair to squatting down to pick something off the floor requires squat strength. We’ve been squatting since we were babies; as we get older and sit in unnatural positions all day, our squat form goes from perfect to us not having a clue.
