Benefits of Squats

I recently took a challenge a friend re-posted on Facebook. Click on  30-Day Squat Challenge if you are interested. Before starting it, I researched how to do it properly and safely. I was especially concerned about my knees but found out that, rather than being bad for them, squats can actually help when they are done correctly. This challenge has gotten so popular you have probably heard of it already. It has made the rounds of Facebook. The only thing I don't like is that the girl in the photo that was used seems to have her knees over her toes and that is a big no-no. As always, it is a good idea to ask your doctor before beginning squats or any other exercise.

Here are two videos showing the correct squat technique you may be interested in watching before you begin doing squats, whether or not you take the challenge:

       Amber Nimedez with livestrong.com

       CrossFit Squat with Rob Ord

I also watched some Denise Austin videos but could not find one with only squats. I learned from her to combine my exercises. While doing the squats, I included arm exercises that were not only great but helped me to have more fun with this tough challenge. I made sure to "squeeze and hold" each time I came back up to my starting position for pelvic strengthening. Besides my daughter, Kim Mosby of Sunshine Yoga, Denise is my absolute favorite fitness guru. I love that they are both about total fitness, including nutrition. Denise lives what she teaches. Her daughter Katie is now following in her footsteps and creating her own fitness videos.

Dr. Joseph Mercola lists 8 benefits of doing squats, from building muscles in your whole body to waste elimination. The 'great and powerful' Dr. Oz is a big believer in squats, especially beneficial as we age. According to doctoroz.com, "Squats are the ultimate butt-building exercise." For the challenge, you start with 50 and have a rest day every third day, ending on day 30 with 250 squats.

It is easier and more fun than you can imagine. Don't let fear stop you from beginning your healthy and fit lifestyle.  There are many tools you can find to ensure you are doing any exercise correctly and get sculpted and toned.