A functional movement that mimics many of our everyday tasks but one which offers so much more!
Strengthens the lower body and core muscles
Burns calories
May help you lose weight (if part of regular resistance training)
May help reduce your risk of knee and ankle injury (strengthening tendons, ligaments and bones around your leg muscles)
They’re also a versatile little move given various squat positions exist and they can be achieved as bodyweight, with dumbbells, kettlebells or resistance bands. Win win!
In pregnancy, they are a great way to maintain strength and range of motion in the core, hips, glutes and pelvic floor muscles. When performed correctly, squats can help improve posture, and they will assist you during labour.
Postpartum your new world involves a lot of bending at the knee to pick up your new baby. By squatting to bend down, you strengthen your legs and protect your lower back.
Squatting activates your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, glutes, adductors, abdominals, and lower back. Every time you squat, you should engage your core to stabilise your body during the movement.
Because squats work many muscle groups at once, the exercise causes your body to increase anabolic hormone production. These are the hormones that help you lose fat and build muscle.
Squats, as a strength training move, can be an important part of any successful
weight loss plan. Regular strength training helps speed up your metabolism and can decrease body fat. They also strengthen your body for everyday tasks like walking, carrying heavy items, and climbing stairs.
Besides being an effective exercise, regularly doing squats may also help reduce your risk of knee and ankle injury. The move strengthens the tendons, bones, and ligaments around your leg muscles, and can particularly help take some of the load off your knees and ankles.
There are many different variations of squats. They can be done with no equipment. You can also use dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands.
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