If You Only Do One Type of Weight Training, Do Squats

damorzacon

But we already knew this, didn't we? :happy:

http://lifehacker.com/5921984/if-you-only-do-one-type-of-weight-training-do-squats?popular=true

Not everyone has a ton of time or interest for weight training. However, The New York Times suggests that the one exercise everyone should work into their daily routine is squats.

Speaking with Stuart Phillips at McMaster University in Ontario, he explains why the squat is the one weight training exercise everyone should do:


I do think, from top to bottom, that the squat is an exercise that engages every single major muscle group... It's about as functional as you're going to get in terms of training you for activities like picking things up and standing up.

The key word here is "functional." While most weight training is about bulking up for activities more extreme than you probably encounter on a daily basis, squats help you accomplish your day-to-day activities. The best part is you don't even need a set of weights for squats, and you can do them pretty much anywhere.

hesn92

I squats

CynthiasChoice

I desperately need to start doing these. Anyone have advise on how to protect your knees while doing squats?

CajunNino

http://scoobysworkshop.com/squat-myths/:frown:

CajunNino

http://scoobysworkshop.com/squat-myths/

faithchange

doing them with proper form...shift your butt back and knees over you feet, not ahead at all....90 degrees basically...weight into the heels.

HotMamaByVday

Squat, then add weight. I can now squat with 115 lbs on my shoulders. Ask my hubby, it does a body good!

HotMamaByVday

doing them with proper form...shift your butt back and knees over you feet, not ahead at all....90 degrees basically...weight into the heels.

This, and you should be able to wiggle your toes.

(fixed a typo)

barnybyrd

It should look like you're going to sit in a chair. If you need to..use a chair to get the correct feel.

Hendrix7

http://scoobysworkshop.com/squat-myths/:frown:

Not really in context.

If you have no pre-existing medical issues that would stop you from performing a good, safe squat, there really isn't any reason not to do them.