What does squeezing do?

IILikeToMoveItMoveIt
IILikeToMoveItMoveIt Posts: 1,172 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've noticed a lot of tutorials that say to squeeze certain areas during a lift etc, but I'm not sure what that does. I'd like to know if anyone could shed some light on this for me. Thanks!

Replies

  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Contract the muscles.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    Imho, it can make sure you are fully contracting the right muscle under weight.

    But in some cases, it can be about firing order. The posterior chain things I do have me trying to fire my glutes before my hamstrings, so I'm to start with squeezing the glutes while relaxing the hams as much as possible at the same time. Then come the hams next. (I'm hamstring dominant).
  • IILikeToMoveItMoveIt
    IILikeToMoveItMoveIt Posts: 1,172 Member
    I see. Very interesting! I know in the past, if I pick up heavy things, I just use whatever muscles I use to get the job done. So I should really pay attention to what muscles I'm engaging and and squeezing the appropriate muscle according to each exercise as to help build the correct muscle? Is that right?
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,982 Member
    Many people just go through motions. There's a big difference of going through a motion and focusing on the actual movement to contract the muscles you're intending to target. It takes practice to get a good "mind/muscle" connection.
    Ever see how some men flex their pecs (Terry Crews does this alot)? That's muscle control. Lots of guys can't do it because they don't know how to "squeeze" the pec muscles.

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  • IILikeToMoveItMoveIt
    IILikeToMoveItMoveIt Posts: 1,172 Member
    Sweet.Thanks guys! (Terry Crews is awesome!)

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