The power of the squat

ANNIE DEADMAN IS HERE TO HELP YOU, THE EASY WAY!

- ANNIE DEADMAN

When the team at Woman asked me to write about one exercise, just one, I didn’t hesitate. I’ve chosen the humble squat… and all its associated friends. Whether you’re a gym, weights, CrossFit, Zumba, Bodypump, Legs, Bums, Tums, barre or Pilates kind of woman, you’re bound to be knocking out a few of these this week.

It’s a compound movement, which means it uses lots of muscles (and a lot of energy!) at once. Yes, that’s your hamstrings, glutes, quads, calves, and core, too, if you’re doing weighted ones, all working in unison.

If you’re new to squats, follow these simple steps. Keep your back straight, chest and gaze forward, then lower your hips towards the floor. Pause (that’s the bit you’ll want to dodge… but don’t). Push through your heels and drive up back to the starting position, squeezing your glutes at the top.