Squat, squat and squat some more !

Anyone that has been to my circuits or that has done any training with me know that I am a big fan of squats :)
I know what a lot of you are thinking, oh squats, I really do not enjoy them, they hurt ! You know what they say, the exercises that you dislike the most are probably the ones you should do most !
I will tell you now a few reasons why you should learn to love squats !

1. Squats really help tone your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. These are powerful muscles in your body. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn even at rest. So it makes sense doesn't it to really focus on the larger muscles in your body !

2. I am sure a lof you have heard about functional exercises. These are exercises which help in your day to day life, as opposed to being able to operate pieces of gym equipment. Squats are one of the best functional exercises out there. If you want to know how to squat correctly, just look at a child squatting ! They are so flexible and have no tight muscles to restrict them performing a perfect squat ! Squats help with mobility and balance. As a result your body will move more freely in day to day life.

3. Speaking of mobility and balance, squats help build strong, powerful legs. This is crucial for staying mobile as you get older. Squats also work your core believe it or not, which will help you to maintain balance and prevent falls. This is especially important in our later years !

4. Many people who engage in regular exercise, often complain of sore knees. This is especially common in walkers and runners. A possible cause of this could be weak and tight leg muscles/ ligaments e.g. Quads, hamstrings, TFL, IT band. Squats ( and lunges/side leg raises) are all excellent at strengthening these muscles. For runners and walkers, having strong leg and glute muscles is essential if you want to increase your speed !


If you want to perform a squat properly, practice at home in front of a chair. Stand with your back to the chair, legs slightly more than hip width apart. Now, keeping your chest up and back straight,sit down and stand up again, all the time putting your weight into your heels.

Repeat this 20 times a night for a week, then add 10 reps every week.

Once you are comfortable with the technique, take away the chair. Also, remember in the squat, no knees over toes !


Get squatting everyone :)