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Why Do Squats?

I'll never forget my best squat: 485 weighing about 180. It was in our garage gym, with several training partners there to urge me on.

My back problem ended my squatting days, but my fall back movements are the leg press, leg curl, leg extension, and hip belt squat. Those movements combined very likely activate more muscle fibers than squats alone.

* * *

An article in the July 2024 Cleveland Clinic Arthritis Advisor explains "How and Why Do Squats."

They begin by telling us that "people who maintain their thigh and calf strength have better balance and ability to function. They also tend to live longer."

"Studies show that an important predictor of longevity is leg strength," says Cleveland Clinic physical therapist Jared Roberts. "A great way to build leg strength is with squats."

I've been doing squats since I was 15, so it's hard for me to imagine not doing it or something similar.

This photo by Pat Berrett shows me squatting with a substantial weight in good form.

The key is to keep your back straight, head up, and your feet flat on the ground. It helps to wear shoes with built-up heels.

If the squat is new to you, start with bench squats, holding on to something to help keep your back straight. Come back up when you touch the bench.

Frank Zane uses a squat rack (no bench) to keep his back straight. He told me that he has been squatting in that rack for more than 20 years. No squats without it. We have one of his racks in our home gym.

Arthritis Advisor suggests sitting on a chair, with your arms crossed. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back straight. Stand up and sit back down. Pause and repeat.

"For people who are just starting ... sit on a higher surface, like on a bed, and then slowly progress to a lower seat."

Once you get the hang of it, move on to body weight squatting without holding on. "Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing outward or straight ahead. Bend your knees and push your hips back, as if you are sitting on a chair. Lower your body as much as you can, keeping your knees aligned over your ankles. Aim to get your thighs parallel to the ground."

If you need more help, ask a trainer in a gym near you to help you progress from body weight squats to squatting with weight on your back.

Think getting stronger and living longer.

July 1, 2024

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Ripped Enterprises, P.O. Box 51236, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87181-1236
or street address: 528 Chama, N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108,
Phone (505) 266-5858 , e-mail: cncbass@aol.com ,
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8-5, Mountain time