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Move Monday: Squats

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It’s Move Monday and I have a confession to make: I LOVE SQUATS.

I wouldn’t have made this declaration a year ago. Or maybe even 6 months ago. Until recently, I didn’t realize how awesome squats are for your body. You see, I have possibly the world’s flattest ass. Running doesn’t help, by the way. It just makes it flatter. But squats? They give me a little boost. Plus they are great for both increasing functionality AND flexibility – and they give me kick ass legs. Oh – and there’s also this little tidbit:

Source: via Nina on Pinterest

 

Like pushups, there are probably hundreds of ways to do squats. Actually, if you Google “Squats” you will find that there is an all out war what people consider the best way to do one. Is there one way that’s better than the others? From what I gathered – No. Honestly, the BEST way to do a squat is to ensure you are using proper form. A form that works for YOUR body and YOUR flexibility level. If you aren’t using the correct form (and I see it ALLLL the time), you aren’t working your muscles efficiently or effectively. And basically, it’s just a waste of your time.  Here’s a video breaking down the basic proper form.

Here are a few other varieties – in case you want to mix up your squat workout. Or you have a perference on how to do them. Personally, just a regular squat with dumbells on my shoulders works for me!

Front Squat

Split Squat

Back Squat

Crossfit Squat

Goblet Squat

Sumo Squat

If you were wondering WHERE in your workout you should do squats – I tend do them first.Why? There’s a reason that babies squat so often when they are learning how to walk — squatting builds the foundation for your legs. Squats are a compound exercise that target all the muscles in your butt, hips, and thighs (not to mention your core). By doing them first (after a warm up of course!), you can use a heavier weight (or do then more effectively in proper form) to exhaust your muscles. Basically, if you do them first you get the most bang for your buck! Of course, this is recommended advice for a beginner. It’s always good to add variation to your workouts – so once you have mastered squatting it may be easier to shift the exercise to the end or middle.

Regardless of your squat philosophy or when you do them during your workout – one thing is clear: DO SQUATS.

 

What’s your stance on squats? Do them? Love them? Hate them?

Comments

  1. I actually kind of like squats, and I really should do them more often. I just forget about them, honestly. That and planks. OK, I loathe and avoid planks, but I really should do them more!

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  3. I hate watching people do squats improperly!! In my one boot camp class, the instructor can drop really low and keep her knees okay, but most people can’t go as low as her and do that, but they try to anyway. It’s painful to watch, I want to scream because they are killing their knees. I do squats 3 times a week, different variations each strength worlout, it’s the largest muscle group in your body, and will burn the most calories after the workout. So great for you.

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    • YES! If you can go all the way down – awesome – you SHOULD rock the full squat and you’re half assing it if not! If you don’t have the flexibility though — work on that first. And I swear the big “manly men” are the worst!

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  5. I LOVE squats! I love doing different variations during workouts. Since I incorporate strength training with running most days, I do these right after my run – and boy do I feel it! Thanks for including even more variations for me to use!

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  8. I LOVE doing squats. I usually do front squats and side squats. Lately I’ve been adding weights in to my squats.

    I’ll bet I could challenge you on the most flat ass. Our family has flat ass syndrome something fierce! Lol.

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