Do You Know Squat?

Squats are one of the most dreaded and avoided lifts in a weight room. Yes, they are hard. Yes, they are tiring. Yes, they can be dangerous. But how much is missed if they are left out of a workout?

I’ve mentioned a few of their cons, so let’s take a look at some pros. First, they are a structural lift. This means they are performed from a base that places stress directly on several different muscle groups. The shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles all become weight-bearing joints when a lifter gets beneath a barbell. While this is one reason why squats are dangerous, it is also why they are so crucial. With so many joints forced to uphold weight, many different muscle groups are recruited into the movement. Muscles surrounding the shoulders contract to hold them in place. Muscles supporting the spine contract, resulting in a more stable posture and thickening of bones in the spinal column. Muscles of the hip stabilize the pelvic girdle, an area progressively weakened and compromised as we age. Muscles attaching at the knee and ankle joints undergo similar improvements.

Additionally, one’s testosterone level will increase with the inclusion of squat. This is important in weightlifting because testosterone, a muscle-building hormone, must be present for muscles to grow. Because so many larger muscles are included in the movement, more testosterone is required for their recovery and repair. Thus, performing squats cause the body to produce more testosterone. With all that is gained from squats, it’s a wonder why a larger demographic does not regularly partake.

Take Away: Make no mistake, squats can be dangerous. If done incorrectly, they can damage the knees and back. Therefore, they should only be performed with the assistance of a spotter, more specifically one who knows what he or she is doing. But the advantages 0f squat for the overall strength of the body and the increase in the development of testosterone far outweigh the associated risks.