Saturday, February 22, 2014

BUS 449a Let's squat!

Hello, fellow fruit-lovers! If you think I'm already losing it, you've probably missed to read my last post about which exotic fruits to add to your diet. But I know you'll have plenty of time to read it after you learn some things about squats.
Squats are very important part of your work-out for several major reasons. First, this exercise is very practical as most of us squat on a daily basis to perform real world tasks. In order not to let a simple squat cause you pain or injuries, doing this exercise will make your body more stable to such daily activities. Secondly, squats help you burn fat. As you perform squats, you gain more muscle mass, and the more muscle mass you have the more calories you lose. Lastly, squats build up your entire body as it engages all muscles of your body, not just the legs but back, abs and chest, as well.
   How to perform a squat properly? Easy. Start with a simple warm-up and don't forget to stretch your legs. Put your feet at a shoulder width, toes slightly pointing out. This is a posture that is natural to the body. Keep your back straight, otherwise you may injure yourself. Lower down, as you bend your knees, hips and ankles until you reach a 90-degree angle. Never stop breathing - inhale as you go down, exhale as you go up. In order to engage your arms, as well, you may put them in front of your body as you lower for the squat, bent at the elbows, hands gathered at the level of the chin. Let them down as you rise. Suck your belly button in, to tighten up your abs, as well.
Source: Check this video for performing safe squats

3 comments:

  1. Never squat with two dumbbells, instead hold one with both hands between your legs. Ideally you should be squatting with a bar. You can start squatting on the smith machine to get a feel for the form but smith machine squats are no squats. Always go at least 5 reps or 5 pounds heavier the next day you squat. Always squat below parallel but never let your quads touch your calves. Don't be ashamed to pop out your ass - you need to be lifting with your legs not your back. Lock your back - push through your heels!

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  2. I think it is good to combine squats with lunges. Could you please share with us what do you think about it? :)

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  3. What I do for butt exercise is put a big ball behind my back against the wall and squat like this - this keeps my back straight and really puts pressure on the butt and leg muscles

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