Does A Bear Squat In The Woods?
Hey gang!! How’s life? Mine’s nuts, as always.
The computer dudes think they finally fixed my laptop issues, after spending ALL DAY working on it (again). Let’s wait a while and see, shall we? I’ll believe it when I actually experience it.
In the meantime, I was just wondering if you do squats in your workout routines.
If not, why not? Get at it! No excuses on this one. Squats are an awesome bodyweight exercise that EVERYONE should be doing.
Uh, for you hard core lifters, yes you can do them weighted too, with almost anything really: dumbbells or a barbell or kettlebells or sandbags … you get it, I’m sure. Anything heavy will do …
And if you ARE already doing squats, then good for you.
BUT!!!!
Are you doing them correctly?
Keeping your knees safe?
Sticking your butt out like you’re supposed to?
Have you tested yourself in front of a wall? It’s a great benchmark test to make sure you have your body all lined up right.
Oh, never mind… here… let me show you:
Got it? Good. Moving on.
Here’s today’s Workout Song of the Day:
Nope, no tie in today … just that this is an absolutely KICK-ASS song for weight training.
Man, this guy has a voice that makes me all angry and strong (Weird, huh? … “Hey, do what it takes to get yourself there!!!” is all I can say).
Enjoy.
MIDDLE CLASS RUT – I Guess You Could Say
Seriously angsty, eh? I love this song hardcore right now! It’s pretty new too, and you can grab it at Amazon in like two or three clicks of a mouse, so if this one moves you like it moves me, head over there and grab it for yourself.
That’s it gang. See ya soon. I gotta get back to installing software so I can get my computer back up to speed asap!
Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Mmm … squats … TASTY :)
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I’m going to have to use the wall trick with my clients. Usually I remind them to keep their weight in their heels (“You should be able to wiggle your toes,” I always say), but this test may make a lot more sense to some of them.
Thanks!
December 4th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Hey Derek, here’s another cool one. Have them standing facing down a small incline then do the move (make it even better by standing in their face aka: be the wall) … it makes a world of difference for the ‘connection’ they need to make where the weight is on their heels. I’ve had some pretty good success with that one. :-)
cheers
December 4th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Well, since I no longer go to the gym for personal reasons. So, all my workouts r performed at home and in bed room (lol), I’m a H&F addict, hehe!
Anyway, since I work out at home then the day I work out my legs all what I do is just Squatting. My bench for leg extensions and leg curls was broken. So, Squat exercise is what is left.
Great video showing how to perform the Squat properly.
More tips from me:
I tend to do 2 versions of Squat. You can open your legs:
1)Shoulder-Width Apart:
Body will lean: toward your toes
Affected muscle: Quadriceps
Easiness: Harder
pressure on knees: High
probability of getting injured: High
2)Wider than your shoulders width:
Body will lean: toward your heels
Affected muscle: Hamstrings
Easiness: Easier
pressure on knees: Low
probability of getting injured: Low
Personally, I prefer the 2nd options!
Husain
December 4th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
thanks Husain. I prefer option 1 myself. But I do believe option two is called Plie Squats. :-)
December 4th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Well, to be more clear about option 2. I meant a little wider than the case in option 1 and narrower than the Plie Squats. I have to be even more careful when performing them.
But, I’ve just known from u that this type of exercise called “Plie Squat”.
mmm, Good info!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
well my knees bow at times but other times im fine i use a bench in the bathroom and bend down to sit on that usually do around 10-20 per set
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:27 am
We’re friends on twitter and this video is a wonderful reinforcement for proper Squat form. I coach tri/swimming / running but in the last 5 months embarked on a serious core strength mission. My personal mission is Boston Qualifier this year (3.30 hr mara) I currently leverage CrossFit/CrossFit Endurance w/ 50% in gym / 50% at home/track.
One of the most, if not most, beneficial moves for running and cycling performance is a proper squat. The DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) felt after marathons is directly attributed to poor hip/glute strength and flexibility. The squat is the again the best at improving both!
It’s been tough for me but after 6 weeks have improved much (gone from atrocious to mediocre ;-)) My Lev 1 coach has me practicing at home against a wall but needed a quick reminder today – this is perfect.
Dave
Also like the bare feet so you can feel heel versus toe landing.
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:34 am
hey Dave!! Glad you liked it. Awesome that your form is improving too!! :-) thanks for the comment.