#FitnessFacts: Squats

-Squats are arguably the single best exercise to build the thighs and glutes.

-60% of human muscle mass is located in the legs, & squats use almost all those leg muscles in unison.

-Because they work so many muscle groups simultaneously, squats are also one of the highest calorie burning exercises!

-Core contractions that occur during a squat are more beneficial than the traditional crunch.

-Squats trigger the release of testosterone and human growth hormone in your body, which can be beneficial to both men & women.

-Most athletic injuries involve weak stabilizer muscles, ligaments and connective tissues, which squats help strengthen.

-Some of the most common squat mistakes are descending too rapidly, leaning the torso too far forward, & letting the knees shift too far forward.

-Distributing more weight into the heels of the feet helps provide a more stable base, which allows for more muscle activation. So focus on keeping your heels on the floor & leaning your hips back.

-There are many versions of squats, & each target different muscle groups! 2 examples are barbell squats, which activate more upper body muscles, & sumo squats, which target the inner thighs. Changing up your squat exercises can be a great way to increase the benefits & results!