To
achieve a strong lower body, the squat is one of the best lower body
exercises. It is the most primitive movement pattern known to man and
was performed in many daily functions.2
The squat has often been referred to as the “king of exercises”. It is
executed by placing a weighted barbell across your shoulders, then using
your legs to lower and raise your body. 1 The squat works the muscle groups of the gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and hamstrings.
There
are multiple benefits to performing the squat on a regular basis. Just a
few of the benefits include: increases flexibility, increases the
natural release of testosterone, burns more fat, and helps maintain
better balance. It is of utmost importance that squatting should be
performed in a full ROM where the hamstrings make contact with the
calves (so that no light can be seen passing through your legs at the
bottom position).2 The
squat stimulates almost every muscle in the body and burns the most
calories. With the squat being the king of exercises and its great whole
body benefits, don’t forget to do your squats!
1Sconiers,
H. (2013, October 15). What Are the Benefits of Doing a Basic Squat?
Retrieved October 18, 2014, from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/403187-what-are-the-benefits-of-doing-a-basic-squat/
2Hildebrandt,
M. (2014, September 10). 14 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Full Squat
Benefits. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/full-squat-benefits.htm
I mentioned in this week's blog that the elderly should use compound or multi-joint exercises like the squat. The reason being is that it loads the spine, and is able address multiple health issues like osteoporosis. Great Exercise.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on the importance of the squat. Other lifts that target the same muscle groups you mentioned, such as the leg press, do not see all the same benefits of the true squat. In the leg press there is no load bearing on the spine and the benefits to improved balance and like Peter mentions osteoporosis are not seen.
ReplyDeleteWow the "King of Excercise" I never knew. I have always put in extra on my squats. Stimulating extra parts of the body and burning more calories is an added feature I didnt know about.
ReplyDelete