Squatting Your Way to Better Health

Squatting Your Way to Better Health

Doing squats and its variations is one of my least favourite exercises. The first few days after you start squatting, your thighs would ache so badly, you would ask yourself “who sent me message?” My dislike of squats aside, they are not only a great way to tone the legs and get a perky bum, but they also benefit other parts of the body. The only way to get the best out of squats is to do it right. We will first look at the proper way to perform a squat and then the benefits of squatting.

The Proper Way to do a Squat

1. Warm up
2. Stand with your feet just over shoulder width apart
3. Keep your back in a neutral position, and keep your knees centered over your feet
4. Slowly bend your knees, hips and ankles, lowering until you reach a 90-degree angle
5. Return to starting position — repeat 15-20 times, for 2-3 sets for beginners (do this two or three times a week)
6. Breathe in as you lower, breathe out as you return to starting position

Benefits of Squats Exercises

• Squat exercises improve circulation if oxygen and nutrients in the body
• They aid the digestion process by removing waste from the body which in turn eases te passing of waste through the bowels.
• They help build muscles throughout the body. This is because the exercise creates an anabolic environment and makes the body release hormones that are vital for the growth of muscle tissue.
• Squats are non-impact exercises and don’t strain the back. This makes it suitable for people with back problems or weakened knees and ankles. They can help keep the knees supple and strong as the exercise aids the of oxygen and blood around the joints.
• Squats can be done anywhere and do not need equipment or accessories. Weights can be added while doing squats though to improve muscle build.
• Squats can improve body balance and posture
• Above all, they help burn fat, thereby aiding weight loss.