Sunday, September 6, 2015

Exercises and Workouts - Try These If You're Bored With Regular Squats

As you move through your workout program, one exercise you absolutely must have in place is the squat. Few exercises are as beneficial as this "king" move as it's often called since it works so many muscle groups at once.

This said, after doing squat after squat after squat, boredom may set in. Like any other move in your workout routine, it's important you include sufficient variety over time.

Fortunately, there are a number of squat variations to be considered. Here are a few that you may want to try out at your next workout...

1. Sumo Squats. Want to firm those inner thighs? If so, the sumo squat is an exercise to consider. For this one, you simply stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart with your toes slightly turned out.

Squat down from there. You should feel the difference in the nature of stress being placed on the body almost immediately.

2. Front Squats. Moving along, next you can try front squats. If you are already squatting in a squat rack with a barbell, you'll be well equipped to transition into this one. Now, rather than placing the barbell across your back, you simply place it across the front of your body instead.

Lower down from there. Doing so is going to help to place more total stress on the quads versus the hamstrings when you do the traditional squat.

3. Jump Squat. For those who want to boost their speed and power, the jump squat is an excellent choice. This plyometric based move will not only build muscle, but burn massive calories as well.

Lower down into the squat and once you're there, rebound up off the ground coming up as high as you possibly can.

Upon landing, move right back down into the squat once again.

4. Goblet Squat. Finally, the last variation to consider is the goblet squat. This one works your upper body more than the basic squat, so is a full body move.

Simply hold a dumbbell with both hands directly in front of your chest in a vertical position. From there, with feet slightly wider than shoulder width, squat down until you're as low as you can go.