Have you been doing your squats? If you answered no then your really missing out on one of life’s great exercises! Squats are an essential exercise, especially during pregnancy. Why are squats so great and how do you do them? Read on.
- They target your glutes, hamstrings and quads specifically but really use all of the muscles in the entire body. Squats should be a staple for anyone wishing to have strong core musculature.
- They are a functional exercise, meaning that they prepare your body to perform a movement – in this case prepare your body for labor and delivery of your baby. Everybody squats just to get in and out of the car, a chair, etc.
- By strengthening your back, legs and glutes it will help decrease or even eliminate back pain.
Here’s how to do one:
Make sure you are properly warmed up before beginning exercise.
Begin with a slightly wider then hip width stance with feet slightly pointed out. Lower your body by pushing the hips backwards while simultaneously allowing knees to bend, keeping the back rigid and at a 45 degree angle and knees/thighs pointed same direction as feet. Descend until thighs are just past parallel to floor. Extend knees and hips until legs are straight. Repeat.
If you feel this depth is too far/low to begin, then simple squat to chair depth until you feel comfortable to continue squatting deeper.
Remember to keep head facing forward and feet flat on floor with equal distribution of weight throughout foot and heel.
Try 12-15 squats for 1 to 2 sets to start!
Also remember that you should always gain medical clearance before beginning an exercise program.
If you are unsure of how to perform an exercise, please ask us! You can contact us here.
