If you want to build strength and muscle mass simultaneously, squatting is the exercise you're looking for. Not only do squats assist in improving your athletic task performance but also help in movement-related activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects, etc. When you think squat is only for bodybuilders, that's where you're wrong. Our fitness experts have enlisted 12 science-backed squats benefits to break the stereotypes and discuss the advantage of adding them to your regular life.
Benefits of Squats
#1. Build Muscles
Yes, squats do not only help you accomplish your toned legs (of course that counts in slim thighs) goals, but also aid in promoting muscle building through forming an anabolic environment in the body. It targets your hamstrings, quadriceps, abdominal muscles, calves, lower back, and buttocks. Wonderful! Isn't it?
Also read:4 lower body deskercises
#2. Boost Flexibility
Any well-rounded exercise training program should include boosting mobility as our ligaments, tendons, and muscles become less flexible with time. Practicing squats daily will improve your body flexibility as it consists of stretching and bending your leg muscles. I know! Who doesn't want it?
#3. Burn Calories Quickly
Yes! As squatting helps build muscles, it is provenly efficient when it comes to burning some extra calories. Adding more weights while squatting will make the burning process faster.
Also read: Eating makes you burn calories?
#4. Mobility & Balance
As we get older, we need stronger legs to stay mobile. Squats not only build strength but also work on your stabilizing and core muscles. Additionally, these muscles help establish a balance between your muscle groups and brain.
#5. Heart & Lung Health
By working on your cardiac muscles, squats help boost lung capacity and heart health. When you add weights while squatting, it works like a miracle on your body.
#6. Prevent Injuries
Most workout-related injuries include connective tissues, weak ligaments, and stabilizing muscles. Squats assist in strengthening your supportive muscle tissue and minimize the chances of injuries.
Also read: Preventing repetitive strain injury
#7. Improve & Maintain Joints
Squats engage your knees, ankles, and hips simultaneously to help improve your joint strength and health.
#8. Bone Health
It is one of the load-bearing exercises which help generate overall strength that is good for bone health, especially for older people.
Also read: Fitness and exercise benefits as you age
#9. Boost Your Speed
Because of the improved strength and ability to create power, squatting results in acceleration and improved jumping abilities. Excellent for tennis or basketball games!
#10. Improve Your Posture
With an improved leg and core strength, you get postural improvements from squats. It influences your core and back muscles that help stretch and mobilize them to make your posture perfect.
#11. Boost Circulation & Digestion
One of the overlooked advantages of squats is digestion and circulation. Exercising your leg muscles can stimulate nutrients and oxygen flow to improve your small intestine efficiency.
Also read: Foods that improve digestion
#12. Improve Your Functional Movement
Naturally, everyday tasks from lifting objects to getting up, squatting makes your life more convenient and healthier. It works as cardio and a sports practice that boosts your overall performance.
Bottomline
Do you have to add squats to your daily routine? No - of course not. However, it can help your body build muscles, core strength, improved posture, and whatnot. But foremost of all, make sure you know how to perform a perfect squat and all essential safety parameters. Access our strength workout archive from Wellness TV with The Wellness Corner to accomplish your desired body goals. Get a personalized meal plan by consulting with our expert dietitian as diet plays a vital role in gaining muscle or losing some pounds.
