Squat Definition (Physical Exercise)

The term squat is part of the terminology related to the physical preparation of athletes. A squat consists of bending the knees downwards and later upwards, starting from a vertical position of the body. There are some variants of the squat (with or without weight at men's height, half squat, with a single leg, incorporating an alternate stride or with a complementary jump, among other modalities various).

The importance of doing this exercise correctly

Regardless of its modality, the most important thing is that its execution is correct. Exercise specialists recommend that the position of the back in the squat be keep straight, feet slightly parallel apart and pelvis slightly toward behind. With this starting position the correct flexion of the knees is already possible.

Why Squats Are Helpful

The squat exercise involves fundamental muscle groups: the spinals that insert into the spine, the quadriceps, the buttocks and the muscles of the abdominal girdle. This set of muscles must be exercised to get enough

force so that the physical activity be more effective. Keep in mind that muscle strength is one of the main factors of physical activity (the endurance aerobic and anaerobic are other factors that should be exercised).

Groups of athletes and the respective characteristics

The squat is a basic exercise for any athlete, be it an amateur or an elite athlete. However, the squat is used as a workout routine. training in some sports or very specific specialties:

1) Sprinters and throwers (shot, hammer or javelin) need to perform movements with great explosiveness, that is, very brief but very intense and the squat is very useful in this sense

2) bodybuilders exercise so their muscles have a great volume and if the squat is performed with enough weight, an increase in muscle mass is achieved

3) in some rehabilitation processes, squats allow you to strengthen some muscles (this exercise is quite common in the rehabilitation of knee ligaments or after a long period of physical inactivity caused by a injury)

4) Weightlifters lift heavy weights and the muscles involved in lifting movement Squats are very important to lift as much weight as possible.

Although the squat is an exercise with obvious positive effects, in some cases it may be contraindicated (especially in some knee or back injuries).

Squat Topics (Physical Exercise)