Bringing on the squats

My last blog talked about the health benefits to squatting. If you haven't had the chance to go over it, here is the link to it. That way I don't have to bore you if you really don't want to know. 

Today I just wanted to demonstrate the typical squats you will see performed in different workouts and just a couple of little tips on setting yourself up for your squat, which you will find in the first video. So how about we get started???

If you are just starting out one of the first squats that I recommend is implementing the bodyweight squat, which is demonstrated towards the end of this video.

​This will allow you to work on you form, get comfortable with it, and help build up those leg muscles to progress to the another variation.

Please remember that everyone's body is different, so you stance may be different than mine or the person next to you.  

The Goblet Squat is usually the next one that I will have my clients perform if they are new to working out. Otherwise I will use it as a warm-up or filler in another workout. 

Keep that dumbbell close to the chest, look forwards, glue those feet into the ground, and only take the squat as low as you can. If you can't break the 90 degree plane with the knees and hips that is just fine. Use that as a goal to work towards. 

The Sumo Squat allows you to hit those inner thighs a little more due to a wider stance and your feet are usually angled out a little more, about 45 degrees, than your normal squat stance. Who doesn't like to hit those inner thighs? Those adductors help move your leg towards you body and can help strengthen up those knees. 

The back squat is one that you will see over and over. I don't know if this is the most popular one, but it sure seems like it. 

My biggest takeaway for you on this, is make sure you are comfortable and confident with your form and ability to knock these guys out. Progress in a manner that works best for you. 

Placement of the bar should be on shoulders not your neck, keep a nice and even pace throughout the movement, and please remember to breathe. I lost count of how many times I have seen people holding their breath. 

The front squat! While I like all squats, I really think this one may be my favorite. For two reasons.

All squats will activate the core but this one will put a little more emphasis on the abs due to the placement of the weight. Which leads me to reason two.

Because the placement is on the front, it takes some of the pressure off of the back and for those that suffer from low back pain, like me, this is ideal for those times you may have a flair up or it is feeling a little weak or tired.