You Really Should Know Squat

​Well, here we go again right? Another unoriginal article/blog/fitness editorial telling you (incessantly and "encouragingly" reminding you) about the importance of the highly publicized monster exercise, the squat. For many, the squat seems to be a subject of taboo- an elephant in the fitness room, the gold standard of avoidance and top pick by procrastinators everywhere. The dreaded "leg day" for many gym goers includes a brief stint on the Stairmaster, followed by two sets of leg extensions and calf raises. Whew! EXCRUCIATING! Then they call it a day as they walk out with melodramatic leg hobbling syndrome (it has to be a medical condition unique to the industry eh???)

Obviously, difficulty and intensity, as well as chance for injury, are to blame for the avoidance.  However, the muscle building benefits are tremendous. If fear of proper form is your reason for neglecting the squat, find someone who can show you the proper technique!  You can and will improve with familiarity and confidence. And remember, the traditional back squat isn't the only game in town- goblet squats, front squats, squats holding a kettle ball with arms extended(sounds like ‘Bubba’ Blue describing shrimp variations?) all work, and can induce hormone driven muscle gains and overall body strength!

As always, the key is intensity and proper form. Most injuries occur as the individual becomes fatigued and form gets sloppy. Flexibility and squatting depth (range of motion) will improve/increase over time. Warm up properly and go Squat!!!