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The “King” of Exercises

November 23, 2009

Fellas, do you want to be strong and powerfully built?  Do you want to be an all-around physical specimen?  There is perhaps no better exercise to bring out those qualities in you than the “king” of exercises — the squat.

Squats work all of the muscles that help you stand up — thighs, butt, and hamstrings.  Also, your core (abs, back and obliques), which supports your spine and keeps you upright is nicely worked by squats.  To a lesser extent, your calves, which keep you balanced are worked.  And of course, if you’re doing the standard barbell squats, you have to hold the bar on your back, which will involve some arm, shoulder, and wrist tension.  So you see, squats involve a great deal of your musculature.

There is no other resistance exercise that can try you more physically AND mentally than the barbell squat.  This exercise can be tough!

But, as much as this exercise can try you, it can change you.  Physically squats will make your overall body stronger, more muscular, and better conditioned.  Not only that, because squats can be so tough, they can make you tougher mentally.

There are various types of squats.  A few examples are:

Barbell Squats

Dumbbell Squats

Jump Squats

Body weight Squats

Resistance Band Squats

Front Squats (squats with the barbell held in front of the neck rather than behind it)

Box Squats

You can take this exercise (squats) and decide how much improvement you want from it.  Do it until you’re satisfied.

If you’re just getting started, work on the form with just body weight.  Once you’re sure your form is correct, begin to add resistance.  Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 repititions.  Do a squat workout 2 times per week, say on a Monday and a Friday, or a Monday and a Thursday.  You should get stronger every workout.  If you eat enough food and add weight each workout, you will increase your strength and muscle.

It’s vital that squats be performed with correct form.  Form videos are coming soon!

Darryl

7 Responses to “The “King” of Exercises”

1. Martin says:

   November 23, 2009 at 9:57 pm

   I never knew squats were so good for you!

   I like one-legged squats where you squat down on one leg with the other leg off the floor and then stand up, then swap legs etc. Good for power to weight and good for balance.

   Martin Wright
   Impact, Poise, Presenting
2. Vegas Boomer Dating Expert says:

   November 24, 2009 at 12:09 pm

   Hi Darryl,

   Squats are superb with free weights. Thanks for the reminder about how many muscle groups it actually works.

   I have a question for you.

   What are your thought about the form used?

   The guy in the illustration is squatting, I’m not sure how to describe this with words and not showing you. He is squatting PAST his quads being sort of parallel to the ground.

   I’ve heard different opinions about this being good or bad form, potential for stress knees etc.

   I’d love to hear your thoughts and input as a fitness expert.

   Happy Dating and Relationships,

   April Braswell
   http://www.aprilbraswell.com/BoomerDating.html
3. JJ Jalopy says:

   November 25, 2009 at 9:16 am

   Badass exercises!

   Squats are incredibly hard work!

   Keep on rocking the world Darryl…
4. Greg says:

   November 25, 2009 at 11:26 am

   Hi Darryl. You always write about something that’s been on my mind recently!

   I wanted to say thanks for keeping up the great work and also wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Keep in touch…
   Greg Dougall, Philanthropist-in-Training
5. John Ho says:

   November 26, 2009 at 12:48 am

   Darryl,

   For exercising, the best is to have video & audio tracks to show how. This is to get it doen correctly to get maximum benefits and avoid injury as well.

   So, I look fwd to watching your video demo.

   John Ho
   http://purenumerology.net
6. Steve Chambers says:

   November 28, 2009 at 9:58 am

   The squat is one of my favorite exercises, primarily because you can do it anywhere, you don’t need equipment and it engages so many muscle groups. Glad to hear that it is one of the most effective as well.

   Steve Chambers
7. Lisa McLellan says:

   December 1, 2009 at 9:39 am

   Can squats be bad for your knees? If so, what precautions should you take before doing them? How do they compare to lunges?

   Lisa McLellan
   Babysitting Services – Babysitter in your area