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10 Squat Variations You Need To Know

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Squats are one of the most common exercises that one can do on a daily basis. In strength training, Squat is a compound, power movement, in which the full body gets exercised. Squat primarily trains the muscles of the thighs, buttocks and hips.

The following muscles are mainly engaged while doing a squat:-

  • Quadriceps (Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis and vastus intermedius and rectus femoris)
  • Gluteus maximus (the largest muscle in the buttock region)
  • Hamstrings (semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris). Hamstrings do not work mainly but, assist in the squat movement.

The secondary muscles, which stabilize the body while performing squats are:-

  • Erector spinae (it is the name of a muscle group in the back )
  • Transverse abdominus
  • The gluteal group muscles (gluteus medius and gluteus minimus); abductor muscles
  • The adductor group of muscles
  • Gastrocnemius
  • Soleus

Squat not only helps in developing musculoskeletal strength and size of the legs and buttocks but, also helps in developing core strength (strengthening the abdominal and paraspinal muscles). For power generation in the body, it is vital for the core muscles to be strong.

When performed with proper form and technique, squat not only trains the legs, buttocks and core muscles but, also muscles of the back, arms, trunk coastal and shoulder muscles.

In the strength sports of power-lifting, Squats is one of the three lifts which include dead-lift and bench press.

Proper form and technique of doing a squat:

First of all, a good warm up is essential before starting with any exercise for better blood circulation to the joints and muscles. This reduces the risk of injuries.

The stance: Feet slightly wider than the shoulder (heel slightly wider than the shoulder) with toes facing slightly outwards. The knee must be aligned with the toes to avoid any injury.

Range of motion: You must squat to a level where the femur (thigh) is parallel to the floor. You can also go a little below than this range provided, the tension on the muscle is maintained; i.e. you must not completely sit down.

Breathing technique: Before starting the downward movement, exhale from your mouth and breathe in through your nose. Fill your lungs and abdominal cavity with air. While squatting, withhold the air. This is called as the ‘Valsalva Manoeuvre’. This compressed air in the abdominal cavity will make the body tight and rigid and will give good stability to the spine. Keeping your body rigid during power movements is very crucial.

Squat variations:

Squat exercises are versatile. They can be done almost anywhere, with or without external weights. Squat exercises are movements that we perform in our daily life. The greatest benefit of doing squat exercises is that, they help in improving our functionality i.e. improves our performance in our day to day activities.

Squat exercises can be done using weights and equipments. Also, they can be done using your own body weight.

Listed below are certain squat variations that can be done anywhere, using your own body weight.

  • Regular Squat: This is the basic form of squat. Here, you stand with your feet slightly wider than the shoulders, with toes pointing slightly out. Hold your arms straight out, with palms facing downwards or put your hands straight up or you can cross your hands. Do not rest the hands on your thighs. Tighten your body, maintain a neutral spine (try to keep your back as straight as possible), jutt your buttocks out (as if trying to sit on a chair) and then squat. See to it that your knees must not cross your toes. However, this will depend upon many factors like flexibility and length of the limbs. The knees must be aligned to the direction of the toes. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGQ8_IMPQOY
  • Sumo Squat: The technique here is the same as back squats. Only here, you take the Sumo stance, i.e. the legs are wide apart with toes pointing slightly outward. Direction of the knees aligned with the toes. In Sumo Squat, the inner thigh muscles (adductor muscles) are also trained effectively. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZuXKqRbT9k
  • Pulse Squat: Here, the stance and technique is the same as back squat. The only difference is that, instead of the rhythmic up and down, you go down till your femur is parallel to the floor. Then, in this position, move up and down, maintaining the tension on the thigh muscles. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRq3nQc8XzI
  • Wall Squat: Here, you stand against a wall with legs extended outward. Stretch your arms out, palms facing down. The chest out, back straight and then you squat. Go down till your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep holding this position and feel the burn. When it starts getting unbearable, get back to relax position. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XULOKw4E4P4
  • Chair Squat: Here, you keep your legs together, keep your arms outstretched or raised up and squat. Keep in mind to jutt your hip out from behind and keep your chest out. Maintain the rigidity of the body. This variation of squat, mimics the action of sitting on the chair. This type of squat can be given to beginners who are learning the form and technique to squat. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu8DUisv9U8
  • Single-leg Squat: This one is a little difficult to do but, it will help in correcting muscular imbalances, if you have one leg dominant over the other. You can raise one leg in front or at the back; whatever you feel easier to balance. Then perform the squat. Try not to touch the raised leg to the ground. You can also take the support of the wall or chair if needed. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu8DUisv9U8
  • Jump Squat: This is a plyometric movement. This technique of squat will not only train your muscles but will also add some cardio-vascular training. Here, the stance and technique is the same; only when you reach halfway down, then jump and land softly on your feet. Swing your arms for the momentum. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4s4mEQ5VqU
  • Squat Jacks: This is also a plyometric movement. A combination of squat and jumping jacks. Take the squat position. Then perform jumping jacks (jump spread your legs apart and bring them together) in this halfway squat position. Do not come out of the squat position till finish all the repetitions. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK3jSsdQ7M4
  • Squat Hold: This exercise isometrically contracts the muscles. You can do a Basic Squat hold and a Sumo Squat hold. Go halfway down and hold the position for some time. Feel the burn. When it gets unbearable, then relax. Static Squat helps in improving the flexibility of the hip flexor muscles. This helps us to improve in running and other activities. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5BFpmzzLbs
  • Burpee Squat: It is a combination of burpee and squat. Here, you start with sitting down with the knees tucked to your chest, between your arms. Then, you hop your legs out and go into a plank position and then again jump your legs in and get into a low squat position. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JUlZMV1KG4

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Secrets of Muscle Building

 

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Most people whom I have come across in gyms want to only build muscles. But, after certain period of time the body stops giving results. In short, there is absolutely no improvement or change in the muscles and the body is just the same. In fact most end up losing muscle mass and seeing these results one gets de-motivated and stops going to the gym.

One needs to overcome such situations. I strongly believe in the statement, ‘losers never win and winners never quit’. So don’t give up and ahead with the following muscle building strategies

  • Scientific Workout Routine for Weight Training:

Scientific workout routine is very essential for muscle building. It should be a good combination of primary muscle group as well as secondary muscle group. Here, I would like to give the example of shoulder workout followed by the triceps workout. Every compound movement for the shoulder exercise, the triceps are working. So apply this formula to other muscle groups as well such as the back and biceps, chest and triceps.

 

  • Always start exercise with compound movement and end with isolation movement: In compound movement more than 1 joint are involved where as in isolation movement only a single joint is involved. We can start with the chest exercise with press movement and end with fly movement. In press movement, the muscles of the chest, shoulders and triceps are involved. The fly is the isolation movement here we target only the chest muscles.

 

  • Never neglect Cardio and Stretching

Cardiovascular exercise is very essential for muscle building. It helps to recover the muscle tissues. It helps to provide maximum oxygenated blood during the exercise. Instead of neglecting the cardio go for the no impact cardio exercise like elliptical or cycling. Good static stretches after workout will ensures the recovery of your muscles in the shortest possible time.

 

  • Nutrition

Balanced nutrition is very essential for muscle building. It’s applicable to one and all and not only to those who want to build the muscle. Try to consume healthy meals in regular intervals of 2 to 3 hours. Nutrition involves regular intake of breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, Pre workout meals and post workout meals and other meals.

 

  • Rest and recovery

Good rest and recovery ensures you good fat loss and muscle building .Muscles are growing during the rest and recovery .Whichever muscle and tissues utilised in a day get repaired during sleep and rest .

 

All the above guidelines will help you the maximum muscle growth.

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Fatty fruit Avocado is an all-star Nutrient

 

AvocadoA tree native to Mexico, Avocado is one fruit that is nutrient packed as well as has healthy fats thus making it a unique fruit.

Initially, one does get averse to this fruit due to its hard texture but, it is known for its high nutrient value. It has a hard black green outer skin and is extremely creamy inside. Avacados have become an incredibly popular food among health conscious people. And, this does not come as a surprise to me as it does have lots of health properties.

Infact, today, this fruit is easily available in supermarkets. One has a choice to choose either the ripe fruit that is ready to be eaten or buy raw then ripe them and refrigerate it for a week. One should take care it should not be cut because, once cut it gets exposed to air and turns brown and with that the fruit’s nutrient properties get oxidised. Avacados can be consumed daily but, in moderation.

Let’s take a peek into the benefits of Avocado:

  1. Avocados are rich in phytochemicals, hence helps in increasing immunity.
  2. It has 4gms of protein higher than any other fruit.
  3. It has monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) which helps in lowering bad cholesterol.
  4. The sugar content (fructose) is also less compared to other fruits.
  5. Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin K, Vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and viatamin A.
  6. It contains copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that most people do get enough of. Avacados are very high in potassium which supports healthy blood pressure levels.
  7. A medium avocado contains 11 grams of fiber, which is close to half of the daily recommended fibre intake. Fiber can have various important benefits for weight loss and metabolic health.
  8. It slows down the digestion hence controls the blood sugar level.

As they say all good things come with some bad points. Avacados also has its disadvantages. These are

  1. One can develop an allergy with this fruit.
  2. It has saturated fats along with monounsaturated fats which can lead to weight gain.

Avocado can be eaten as it is or in the form of milkshakes, salad, soups and sandwiches. Avocado oil is available in the market and can be used for cooking.

Given all the positive health benefits that Avacado has, it is an excellent reason to always include this healthy fat source when you eat fruits. Without it, a lot of the beneficial plant nutrients will go waste. So do include it to make your diet healthy.

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Bone health for life and ways to make them strong

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I am not sure how many in India have watched this ad commercial on television which shows a woman asking her friend “what do you do for calcium” and other answers “Milk”…the friend repeats her question again and says “I understand Milk but, what do you do for calcium”, the second lady repeats ‘Milk’ again…

Basically, the first woman was trying to find out for the absorption of calcium from milk what does she do? The answer to this question is plain and simple-Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium. If Vitamin D level drops from the blood, calcium will not get absorbed. Therefore it is imperative that an individual always checks vitamin D level before popping in calcium tablets.

What is the bone made up of? Calcium is the answer that most people would give. Agreed but, along with that phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin c, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin B complex, fats, proteins are also necessary for healthy bones. Foods sources are milk and milk products, dark leafy vegetables, soyabean, oil seeds, carrot juice etc

Bones are an integral part of the weight of the human body. They are the substance which forms our skeleton…and because of the skeleton our body looks well structured. Bone formation starts from the womb itself and continues till the age of puberty. When we are young bone growth is faster and as we Age it becomes slow and in the latter stages of life age it becomes brittle (the condition is called osteoporosis). We have to look after our bone health from early stages of life. Here are the factors which affects bones.

  1. Calcium and vitamin D in your diet- Less of this will not form a good bone density so early bone loss and there is an increased risk of fractures.
  2. Physically inactive: Our body is meant to move and be active in order to developing in terms of healthy bones.
  3. Tobacco and alcohol (You might want to explain here how tobacco and alcohol lead to weak bone)
  4. Age: Bones become thinner and weaker as you age.
  5. Family history will put it on higher risk.
  6. Gender and Hormone levels: In women, bone loss increases during menopause due to low estrogen levels. In men, bone loss increases due to low testosterone.
  7. Eating disorders and other conditions: People who have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa they are at higher risk of bone loss. Also, bariatric surgery and conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and Cushing’s disease can affect body’s ability to absorb calcium.
  8. Smoking and tobacco leads to low bone mineral density, increased levels of the hormone (cortisol) leads to a bone break down and bone fractures.
  9. Long term alcohol consumption interferes with bone growth and replacement of bone tissue.Alcohol consumption during adolescence reduces peak bone mass and can result in relatively weak adult bones that are more susceptible to fracture. In adults, alcohol consumption can disrupt the ongoing balance between the erosion and the remodelling of bone tissue, contributing to alcoholic bone disease. 

This week we are celebrating International Yoga week. Bone health can further be strengthened with the help of Yoga.

Yoga strengthens the areas which are most likely to suffer such as the hips, spine, and wrists. Yoga can help maintain bone density of these body parts. Poses that focus on the spine can also help improve posture, preventing the stooping of the back.

Finally let’s not ignore the fact that healthy bones starts with early age. Take step towards being active and having good food to make your bones stronger. It’s never too late to start.

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