¿What is Squatting?

Squatting is a compound weightlifting movement beneficial for all sports disciplines and ideal for strengthening the lower body. The main muscles involved in its execution are the quadriceps, glutes, and adductors. Hamstrings are also engaged, as well as the lower back and abdominal muscles due to the core stability it requires.

As you can see, incorporating squats into your workout routine is highly advantageous as it targets multiple muscle groups in a single exercise.

Tip: Squatting motion can be performed with heels elevated to compensate for ankle inflexibility.

What are the Benefits of Squatting?

The benefits of squats are numerous. Here are just a few, after which you won't be able to pass by a bar without thinking about it.

Effectively Build Lower Body Strength: The main muscles worked during squats are the quadriceps and glutes. If you're aiming for bigger thighs (for gentlemen) and firmer buttocks (for ladies), you know what to do!

Improved Posture: Keeping the abs engaged and chest lifted will strengthen your deep muscles, leading to long-term improvements in posture and alignment. This translates to reduced risk of back injuries, improved breathing, faster digestion, and overall better posture.

Increased Metabolism: Due to the large muscle recruitment involved in this exercise, squats will undoubtedly help you gain muscle mass, leading to a more efficient metabolism.

Faster Fat Loss: With a boosted metabolism, squats naturally increase calorie expenditure at rest, aiding in faster fat loss.

Reduced Risk of Serious Injuries: The intensive work on the lower body muscles, as well as the core and back, enhances posture, balance, flexibility, and joint mobility.

Enhanced Physical Abilities: By gaining explosiveness, squats can help you run faster and jump higher."

Is Squatting Suitable for Everyone?

Yes and no. In fact, it's more about adapting the squat to yourself. We all have different body types and physical characteristics. That's why some people can squat down until their buttocks almost touch the ground while keeping their back straight (this is called a full squat), while others may not even be able to get their thighs parallel to the ground without rounding their lower back.

Another common scenario: a person with long legs and a short torso will tend to lean much more forward than someone with short legs and a long torso. This can have detrimental effects on the lower back.

Furthermore, depending on how squats are performed, you may feel your glutes more than your quadriceps, and vice versa.

Therefore, it's crucial to know your body and its limitations in order to adapt the exercise to yourself and work in accordance with your goals safely

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