Just as we should eat the foods our bodies were designed to eat, we should move our bodies the way they were meant to move. This means squatting, and squatting often. Our hips flex, knees bend and ankles dorsiflex so we can rest comfortably in a squat position.
There are many reasons to squat, here are a few :
1. It helps to counteract all the sitting we do! In today’s world, we work longer hours at fixed work stations so the need for squatting and moving is growing.
2. Squatting increases strength. The squat is the best “value for money” strength exercise. It hits many different muscle groups along the way. The obvious ones are the prime movers – the quads, hamstrings and glutes – but the trunk musculature must stabilise the torso and maintain a neutral spine, all while supporting the load. Basically, the squat is a complicated movement that forces the body’s parts to work and grow stronger together as a unit.
3. Squatting can improve bone mineral density in all age groups. Recent studies have shown that weighted squats can improve osteoporosis in women. The study showed that bone mineral density was increased from 2.9% to 4.9%.
To conclude, squatting is a great exercise with many benefits. Just remember that squatting can take many forms. It’s not just for huge, muscular guys in the gym lifting heavy weights!
Squatting can be :
– holding on to a post or doorframe for support as you squat.
– standing up from a chair.
– squatting down to pick something up from the floor.
It all counts! It all helps! Get squatting!