But do you squat?

Back in my heyday of powerlifting, it became a running joke with my workout partners that when someone bragged about their bench press, curls, or 6-pack, we would jump right into the question “…but do you squat?” The main reason for this, in our minds, is that this separated the fitness enthusiasts with the serious lifters. Heavy squatting is arguably one of the hardest exercise you can perform.

Since that time, my appreciation for the squat has remained the same, but has changed in its focus. I use to have the gym rat mentality of “go heavy or go home” pertaining to the squat. Now I realize just how important the squat is for functional movement and how everyone should be incorporating some form of it into their fitness program.

Squatting is a basic, functional movement pattern that we all need in order to live our daily lives. When we are unable to perform this movement is when the problems arise. Many times I have had clients walk through my doors from their orthopedic doctor and the first thing that comes out of their mouth is “The doctor said I shouldn’t squat”. One of my colleagues, Josh Rubin of East West Healing and Performance, created the video clip, Squatology 101, that gives the answers to why the squat is essential to perform. He does a excellent job of pointing out all the benefits the squat provides.

If I kept my old paradigm, then I guess I would have to agree with the client that said they shouldn’t squat. But the new thought process would have me say, “let’s find a way to get it done that will help to improve your life and performance”. To give you some appreciation of the variety of squats that you can perform, Marty Linclau-Miller, another Human Performance Consultant at Lonegevity, and myself developed the following videos of different squat versions.

Hopefully these videos and commentary will give you a new appreciation for the squat and ways that you can include it in your exercise program. If you need some suggestions as to ways that the squat can be modified to help you, leave a comment. Otherwise ….. Happy Squatting!