Many believe that squatting can lead to bulky and unattractive thighs. Others blame this exercise for causing knee pain. Squats may seem simple, but executing them correctly is a challenge. Let's examine whether you're squatting correctly with this article from California Fitness & Yoga!
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Squat Technique
The term 'Squat' refers to the characteristic Asian squatting position. The correct squatting posture involves spreading your feet shoulder-width apart, knees pointing outward, keeping your back straight, lowering your hips low without letting your knees extend past your toes.
For beginners, it's recommended to perform exercises in sets of 3 reps (3 sets). Advanced individuals or those with good fitness levels can increase the sets to 5 to 7 reps.
While squatting may seem simple, not everyone can execute it correctly.
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5 Squat Exercises from Basic to Advanced
2 Basic Squat Exercises
Traditional Squat
Proper squatting brings numerous health benefits.
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Step 1: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
Step 2: Inhale. Straighten your back, push hips and buttocks back. Knees should align with toes. Ensure knees do not extend beyond toes to develop thigh and hip muscles.
Step 3: Exhale and stand up, returning to step 1 position. Perform the exercise 20 times.
- Jumping Squat
Proper Squat Exercise Including Advanced Steps
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Step 1: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart. Extend arms straight above head. Relax shoulders to prevent injury to shoulder and neck during workout. Inhale. Straighten back, push hips and buttocks back. Knees should align with toes. Ensure knees do not extend beyond toes; otherwise, the exercise will only target the knee area and bulk up leg muscles.
Step 2: Jump up high, arms extended outward, keeping back straight.
Step 3: Return to step 1 and continue the exercise for 20 repetitions.
3 Advanced Squat Exercises
- Barre Squat
- To begin, step about a forearm's length away from a sturdy chair with a high back. Lightly grip the chair back for support, and stand tall with your feet facing forward. Lift your heels. Note: Do not lift heels too high.
- Bend your knees and lower down until you feel tension in your thighs and buttocks. Stand up, returning to the initial position gently.
- As you perform this squat exercise, stand tall by engaging your abdominal muscles towards your spine, lifting your chest, and lowering your shoulders. If you feel knee pain, stay at a higher level and limit the range of motion.
Advanced Proper Squat Workout
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Sumo Jacks
- You can perform with a small hand weight like Goblet Squat.
- Jump and softly land, bending knees and lowering body until thighs are parallel to the floor. Push through both heels and jump again.
Sumo Jacks is a Squat exercise you should try
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Tuck Squat
- Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart. Bend knees and roll forward to prepare for the jump, keeping both hands in front of the chest.
- Drive through the heels, jump as high as possible. You can extend both arms overhead to increase the height of the jump. Land softly by bending knees to reduce impact and prepare for the next set.
- If you dislike jumping, you can replace it by doing alternating knee lifts.
Tuck Squat is also one of the squat exercises you shouldn't miss.
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Common Mistakes When Doing Squats
Thinking Squats Alone Are Sufficient
Merely focusing on squat exercises for the glutes without reducing overall body fat through exercises targeting the abdomen, arms, you'll notice no reduction in excess fat. While your buttocks may be growing, it can feel burdensome. Achieving the desired Fitness figure still seems distant if your training lacks scientific approach.
The reason is simple: while Squats tighten the gluteal and abdominal muscles, to reveal this firmness, you need to trim excess fat with Cardio exercises. Cardio, the key to overall body movement, is essential for those aiming for a sleek, fit figure. For balanced development, incorporate Cardio alongside Squats for a shapely apple-bottom.
Just Squatting Isn't Enough
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Unscientific Eating Habits
Daily workouts become meaningless when you consume thousands of calories loaded with starch, fats from pizza, fried chicken, hamburgers, high-energy drinks like soda, iced coffee, etc.
When the energy intake exceeds the energy expenditure, the excess energy is stored as fat in the body. Therefore, alongside proper squatting, it's essential to build a balanced diet, consuming only good carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole grains, easily digestible white meats, and plenty of green vegetables to fuel the body with the best energy.
Squat Without Using Weights
If you've been squatting for a while but not seeing results, it's time to consider incorporating weights into your routine. Challenge your body with some resistance, a little bit of weight to stimulate and develop muscles. Once accustomed to the weight, gradually increase it each day. Just don't let your muscles get too 'stressed' during workouts.
Proper Squatting with California Fitness & Yoga
Looking to sculpt a firm and alluring buttocks with proper squat exercises to avoid injury? Feeling unsure about self-training or lacking motivation to work out daily? Visit California Fitness & Yoga to address these concerns. Check out the following classes at California Fitness & Yoga:
Bums N Tums
This is a class within the Cardio category, focusing on the lower body. Similar to proper squat exercises, this class incorporates weights, lasting for 60 minutes to enhance stability, firmness, and development of the buttocks, thighs, and core muscles.
Visit California Fitness for well-defined buttocks with proper squat exercises (Source: California Fitness & Yoga)
Body Pump
Joining this class, you'll be guided on proper squat techniques with small and medium-sized weights. Trainers will lead you through 55-minute sessions, enhancing overall body firmness, especially in the buttocks, thighs, core muscles, and supporting flexibility for the skeletal frame.
Core Fit
Also a strength-building class for core muscles, buttocks, and thighs. Alongside workouts, trainers will assist you in adjusting diet and lifestyle, combining proper squat exercises for optimal results.
Through this article, California Fitness has provided essential information on how to squat correctly and three common mistakes to avoid. Proper squatting is the most effective method to achieve firm, attractive buttocks. But avoiding injuries during training isn't common knowledge. If you're seeking a reputable, quality fitness center, California Fitness is the choice for you. Don't hesitate to call the hotline at 18006995 or inbox here for more detailed advice.
Posted by: Thien Tam Le
Keywords: How to Properly Squat? 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Squatting