WATCH: The basic principles of squats
You can achieve the perfect squat, and thereby the perfect butt, by maintaining the right position when you squat.
POLOKWANE – Squatting is so popular because it is a “functional” exercise which targets various key points of the body.
This according to local fitness and personal trainer in the city, Liana Fourie. “Many people squat without realising it. Anything from pulling out of a chair, to picking something off the floor requires you to squat. Especially as we get older, proper squat technique is absolutely critical to maintain health and longevity,” Fourie tells Review.
It’s a perfect compound exercise that works many muscles all at once – including your gluts, quads and core.
However, many people do it wrong, activating the wrong muscles and leaving themselves prone to injury. “A squat is simply crouching or getting into a sitting position with your knees bent and heels close to or touching your buttocks or the back of your thighs,” she explains.
She says you can achieve the perfect squat, and thereby the perfect butt, by maintaining the right position when you squat.
Here’s a checklist for the next time you do a few squats:
1. Hip Hinge
2. Straight Head Position
3. Chest Out/ Shoulders Back
4. Slightly Arched Lower Back
5. Athletic Stance, Toes Pointed Out
6. Exhale Up/Inhale Down.
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