The traditional parallel squat looks like this. If you want to work more on the thigh muscles, bring the feet closer in to keep the stance narrower. — Pexels
Ask any personal trainer and they’ll tell you squats have many fitness and health benefits.
It’s also a doctor’s favourite exercise prescription for older patients as it will help strengthen the knees and hips, which is important for balance and avoiding falls.
Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!
If you need to correct your form, engage a personal trainer like this elderly woman here: note how she is holding on to a pole to balance herself, which is perfectly fine as her lower body muscles are probably weak. — Pexels
If you need to correct your form, engage a personal trainer like this elderly woman here: note how she is holding on to a pole to balance herself, which is perfectly fine as her lower body muscles are probably weak. — Pexels
Wider stance squats require less ankle mobility, place less stress on the knee joint and reduce the likelihood of lower back rounding in the bottom position, so if you’re dealing with a minor knee or lower back injury, squatting wider may be useful. — Pexels
This one is a variation of the wide stance squat, but one heel is lifted off the floor. It works your calf muscles, as well as your quadriceps. Make sure you do both legs. — REVATHI MURUGAPPAN/The Star
This one is a variation of the wide stance squat, but one heel is lifted off the floor. It works your calf muscles, as well as your quadriceps. Make sure you do both legs. — REVATHI MURUGAPPAN/The Star
The Bulgarian split squat refers to the version where the back leg is elevated on a bench, a sturdy chair, or a suspension strap as shown in this picture. — Freepik
The pistol squat is an advanced squat variation that requires you to go all the way down while keeping the lower foot flat on the floor. The leg that is extended doesn’t necessarily have to be straightened as not everyone has good hamstring flexibility. Getting back up is tough though! — Unsplash
