Why Squatting is Essential for Weight Loss and Overall Fitness

Squatting is a fundamental exercise that is often neglected in modern society. Many people prioritize cardio workouts, such as running or using the elliptical, while completely overlooking resistance training. However, incorporating squats into your fitness routine can have numerous benefits for weight loss and overall fitness. In this article, we will explore eight reasons why you should hit the squat rack every once in a while instead of running for every workout.

1. Squatting isn’t a huge time commitment.
When it comes to running, the focus is on speed and endurance. However, as you improve your running abilities, your workouts often become longer and more time-consuming. On the other hand, a good squat session can be completed in just about 10 minutes. This makes it a convenient exercise that you can easily fit into your busy schedule.

2. It is lower impact on your joints.
Running can be highly impactful on your joints, especially when performed on hard surfaces like concrete. The stress on your connective tissues can lead to issues like shin splints. Squatting, on the other hand, is a lower impact exercise that puts less strain on your joints. By replacing a run or two with a squat session, you can protect your knees in the long run.

3. Your body was built to squat.
Our bodies were designed to run short to moderate distances, not marathons. Squatting is a neglected fundamental movement that our bodies are capable of performing. If you observe a baby, you’ll notice that they can effortlessly squat ass to grass. This movement comes naturally to us. However, our modern sedentary lifestyle, with prolonged sitting at desks and on toilets, has made us lose this mobility. Incorporating squats in your workout routine can help combat this immobility and strengthen your body.

4. Squatting activates more muscles.
While running is a great exercise for your heart and calves, its effectiveness in targeting various muscle groups is limited. Squatting, on the other hand, activates a wide range of muscles including quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, glutes, adductors, abdominals, and lower back. Resistance training, in general, stimulates more muscle growth than running. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest. This means that by incorporating squats, you can eat more without gaining weight.

5. People who squat can eat more carbs.
Running relies on fat as fuel, making it an aerobic exercise. Squats, however, are primarily anaerobic and rely on glycogen as the primary energy source. Glycogen is the body’s method of storing carbs. By squatting, you burn the glycogen in your muscles. This allows you to replenish your muscle glycogen by consuming carbs, which won’t be stored as fat but instead used for muscle recovery. So, next time you enjoy a few extra carbs after leg day, remember that you’re fueling your muscles, not gaining fat.

6. Squatting builds your booty more.
Distance runners often struggle with developing a well-defined gluteal region due to their training focused on running. Sprinters, who engage their glutes more vigorously, exhibit a different muscle development. Squatters, with their hip-hinge-dominant movement pattern, tend to build larger, more rounded glutes. So, if you prefer a lifted and shapely posterior, incorporating squats into your routine is the way to go.

7. Squat waists look thinner than runner waists.
In addition to the extra calorie burn induced by having more muscle in your glutes, having a larger booty can create the illusion of a smaller waist. This can provide women with the desired hourglass figure and offer men an extra asset that women actually appreciate.

8. It will give you abs.
Squatting is a compound movement that engages multiple muscle groups, including your abdominal muscles. Your core works hard to keep your torso stable while performing squats. Many people are unaware of this fact and may spend hours on direct ab workouts when simply squatting can develop their core muscles effectively. Professional bodybuilders often include heavy squats and deadlifts in their routines, and their well-defined abs are a result of these compound movements.

In conclusion, running is undoubtedly beneficial, and it should be enjoyed in moderation. However, it is essential to shift the focus from excessive cardio to include resistance training like squats. Incorporating squats into your fitness regimen has numerous advantages that go beyond weight loss, including improved joint health, muscle activation, increased carb intake, and the development of a shapely posterior and defined abs. So, it’s time to step away from the treadmill and embrace the squat rack for a well-rounded fitness journey.