Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? >", "name": "mega-signin", "type": "link"}}' class="u-color--red-dark u-font--xs u-text-transform--upper u-font-weight--bold">Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? >", "name": "mega-signin", "type": "link"}}' class="u-color--red-dark u-font--xs u-text-transform--upper u-font-weight--bold">Sign In

Brands

5 Reasons To Do Squats That You’ve Never Heard Of

Besides booty benefits, there are other reasons to get low during your off days.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com

A popular part of cross-training, squats have a reputation for making your booty strong and hamstrings hardcore. However, there are five other reasons, perhaps lesser-known, to incorporate squats into your schedule. Dr. Chris Stepien, D.C., CSCS, CAPP and Strength Coach for Heroes Journey, lists some pretty legitimate reasons why you should be squatting on the regular:

1. They prevent injuries. Most injuries are caused due to weak muscles and soft tissue (ligaments​, tendons,​ and connective tissues). Squats improve flexibility and balance which simultaneously strengthens your ankles​, knees, ​hips​ and low back​.

2. They make daily chores way easier. Squats are considered a functional exercise, meaning they enable your body to perform real-life activities easier. Our bodies were designed to be hunter-gatherers. Squats strengthen your body making it move more efficiently in today’s real world.

3. They promote regularity. In order for your body to function properly, internal organs need to perform at their optimum. ​If performed in a full range of motion, squats help your colon by improving your body’s fluid and nutrition distribution to all your tissues, organs and glands.

4. They help maintain mobility. As you get older, your body relies on your leg and core strength to keep you going. Every squat works out your core to promote balance and improves communication between your brain and your muscle groups. This helps to prevent falls.

5. They are actually a multi-body workout. There are a few exercises that work the entire body like squats. Squats strengthen your upper and lower body.

Trending on Women's Running

These Runners Were Not Prepared to Love Non-Alcoholic Beer

L. Renee Blount and Outside TV host Pat Parnell posted up at a popular trailhead, handed out free Athletic Brewing craft non-alcoholic beer, and then recorded runners’ live reactions. Want to find out what all the hype’s about? Click here to discover a world without compromise.

Keywords:

Related content from the Outside Network