Why Squats are the Go-To Leg Exercise
If you’ve ever inquired about how to work your leg muscles, you have no doubt heard that you should do squats. Squats are one of the most publicized, and honestly one of the best exercises for working your legs. But, why is this exercise so great? If you’ve ever wondered if you can skip this exercise, check out these important facts about why you should incorporate squats on a regular basis.
Your Quads are Huge
So whether or not you actually have huge quads is irrelevant. What is meant by this statement is that the quadriceps are a very large muscle group. Because of this, when you work a large muscle group, it takes a massive amount of calories. This large muscle group demands energy, and your body sends it right away. So, incorporating squats mean twice the fat burning.
You Work Your Small Muscles
Even though the quads take a lot of work during this move, your smaller muscle groups are gaining strength as well. That is why this move is great for toning the legs. Since every muscle from the waist down is being worked, even the little bitty ones, your legs come away with a really nice toned look. Whether you are lifting weights or just your own bodyweight, you’ll still be gaining strength and definition.
Better Balance
As we age, we lose a bit of our natural balance. That is why you hear of older adults falling while doing typical tasks. If you can, however, maintain a strong base, legs, and you can help counteract the loss of balance. Your strong legs will help you maintain and hold up your own body weight. The strength that you build helps you stay grounded and balanced now and in the future.
Better Overall Body Function
Having a strong base can make everything easier. Since we use our legs for basically everything, keeping them strong means making life and its daily events just a little bit easier. Everything from walking to standing to lifting becomes that much easier if you maintain strong legs. If you want one exercise to improve your body and life overall, squats are definitely the one to add to the mix.
I know that squats are hated by many. Mostly, that’s because they are hard! They work your body so well that they have become one of the most famous forms of exercise. Work these into your regular routine to gain strength, definition, and many more benefits to your body.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Rachel Lindman
