“Here are some of the main benefits of incorporating squats into your routine”
Looking to improve your overall balance, get stronger legs and improve whole body muscular development? Then adding more compound movements like the squat and deadlift is for you! The squat is one of the best compound exercises out there, builds lower body strength and stimulates muscle growth hormones like testosterone and HGH.
OVERALL LEG DEVELOPMENT:
Squats hit nearly every muscle in the body, especially your legs. This is a great exercise for someone to stay fit and healthy as well as someone trying to build muscle or lose bodyfat (this is due to its overall muscle recruitment). The prime movers of this exercise are your quads, hamstrings and glutes with your calves also being activated. This movement is all about technique, please consult a professional for guidance if you are unsure how to correctly perform the squat.
CORE ACTIVATION:
The squat strengthens your core which helps with your everyday activities and with the effectiveness of squats they can also be more effective than specific ab training (like crunches etc) When you squat, your core muscles work to keep your spine stable and stabilise your torso.
RELEASE HORMONES:
This exercise increases the production of anabolic hormones in your body, like testosterone and human growth hormone. Don’t worry ladies, you will not look like a bodybuilder by doing this exercise, in fact these hormones stimulate muscle growth and repair.
OTHER SQUAT BENEFITS:
- Higher metabolic rate
- Improved heart and lung capacity
- Stronger overall physique
- Increased endorphin production
The list goes on.
DIFFERENT SQUAT VARIATIONS INCLUDE:
- Back squats (high back squat and low back squat)
- Front squats
- Goblet squats
- Sumo squats
*In part 2 of squat benefits, we give you a more in-depth insight into the different variations
