One of the most basic of human movements is the Squat.
The squat. Many people have a love-hate relationship with this exercise.
The squat is one of the most common of basic human movements. Whether we are lifting, sitting down, picking things up off of the ground or getting down on the ground to play with the kids, all of these activities require you to squat.
Squats activate all the major muscles groups of your lower body at the same time so you get more bang for your buck and you can see improvements in sports such as, running, dancing or tennis.
Let’s review the proper way to perform a squat:
1) Execute the squat as if you were going to sit down in a chair.
2) Set your feet hip-width apart, feet facing forward, and activate your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine.
3) Drive your hips back, while bending at the knees and ankles.
4) Sit back and squat as deep as you can comfortably. By driving your hips back, bending at the knees and ankles If you have knee problems, make sure your thighs stay parallel to the floor.
5) Keep your feet glued to the floor, knees aligned over your toes, chest up and shoulders back.
6) Keep your core active and allow your torso to tilt naturally.
7) To return to the starting position and complete the squat. Keep your weight firmly in your feet and think about driving your feet into the ground as your body moves upward to complete the movement.
Benefits of Squats:
1. Time efficient
2. Properly train you to lift heavy objects, by using your legs, not your back
3. Prevent injuries, by strengthening stabilizing muscle groups
4. They are functional. You use this motion everyday, not just in a workout at the gym.