Regardless of your age and gender, squats should be on your daily routine. We are not talking of power squats that use a barbell or any additional external weights. Instead, we are going to explore the health benefits of doing simple squats using bodyweight only.
Squats, although they look simple to do, can be intense for beginners. Of course, a few repetitions may seem to have no effect but when reaching 20 reps or more can be intense.
Plus, squats stimulate the body's meridian system. In fact, squats are part of a Chinese 3-1-2 meridian exercise. If you don't have any idea what is the 3-1-2 exercise?
Here an excerpt of the video in Chinese with English subtitles and scroll the video seeker to timeline 22:05. It is where the relevant information on the benefits of the squat exercise.
Moreover, typical squats using bodyweight only is also a part of quick full-body workout stimulating the body to release Nitric Oxide.
A Different Form of Squat
A different form of squat developed in India has been found helpful in improving concentration and state of mindfulness. Thoppukaranam, a yogic squat exercise with a specific hand position has its health benefits backed by science.
These findings indicate Thoppukaranam results in enhancement of cognitive functioning and psychological states1.
In the West, this type of squat exercise has been known as brain yoga exercise. There are schools in the West that teach and encourage students to perform this exercise every morning prior to regular classes.
Health Benefits of Squats
Hopefully, you are now encouraged and interested in doing squats daily. Why not? It is a simple exercise that you can at home or even while traveling.
The great thing about this exercise is you don't need any special equipment. All you need is a little time as well as dedication and discipline to do it consistently.
With all that in mind, here are more health benefits to doing daily squats.
- Improves blood circulation
- Burns fat
- Develops strength for both body and muscles
- Prevent injuries by increasing flexibility
- Improves and develops proper body posture
- Builds core strength
- Helps eliminate cellulite
- Tones the abs, butt, and legs
- Improves the body's ability to detoxify
- Develops healthy bones and joints
- Maintains proper balance and mobility
- Boosts sex drive
How To Do The Squat Exercise Properly?
A squat exercise is pretty simple to do. But to give you a good start here's a good video to follow to perform a perfect squat.
Final Thoughts
The squat is a simple exercise, but intense. Anyone can do it at any time and anywhere where it is suitable to do it. Squatting in the part after a brisk walking is a good exercise routine.
When feeling cold during wintertime, or perhaps wanting to feel warm during cold weather, a few reps of squat can easily warm-up the body.
Hence, make squat exercise as part of your healthy lifestyle practices to enjoy its long-term health benefits.