Posted on April 04, 2014 by Jenny Cromack

Why Should I Squat? Let’s turn this around and say why shouldn’t you squat? There are so many reasons why and I’d like to start this blog by stating that if you can’t currently squat 160% of what you bench press you’re neglecting your leg training. In my experience people tend to shy away from squats, particularly high volume squatting because let’s be honest it hurts bad… real bad. Now,  I’m not saying you’re soft or that you need a teddy bear or even that you need a big hug from Jenny but you do need to toughen up and include squats in your program.  It’s likely that you will have some knee issues, hip problems and maybe a bad back, but squats aren’t the problem…they are the solution! Full range squats and varying a few variables can have amazing effects on your training…..so read on to find out why you should squat!

 

Here are motive8’s Personal Trainer top reasons why everyone should squat

1. Squat more = Run faster. Its really simple if you can apply more force through the ground you can run faster… much faster. So if you are a runner, play sport or participate in outdoor pursuits its time to get under the bar.
2. Squat more = Improve your mobility- Unfortunately you’ll get old one day, and when that day comes you’ll be glad of all those hours spent slaving away under the bar. Not only does squatting help lay down great bone mineral density, but strengthens all of the muscles of the core. Studies have shown that individuals who squatted more frequently were less likely to suffer from inflammation related to arthritis.
3. Squat more = Better beach body- Although you are working the legs hard you’re also working the rest of the body hard, particularly the abdominal region, some of the best 6-packs I have seen have been forged through squats and dead-lifts. Think about how hard the core regions works to support the potential 200kg on your back, then compare that to 20 sit ups, there is no comparison! Stop crunching….start squatting!
4. Squat more = look balanced– Nothing looks worse than a bro who doesn’t train legs you look like a giant triangle, on a serious note you’re actually limiting the size of your upper-body by not training legs, the amount of growth hormone and testosterone you stimulate training legs circulates everywhere in the body helping other muscles grow

In conclusion if you don’t squat you, you aren’t really squat, if you want to know more about squat programs or how to train Motive8North are offering for a short period of time a free personal training session, simply get in touch and book or call 0113 243 0161.