February 09, 2024 3 min read
Posture is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing. Poor posture can lead to a variety of physical issues such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. Squat exercises are one of the best ways to improve your posture and keep your body functioning optimally. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how squat exercises can help improve your posture and what types of squats you should focus on for the best results.
Shop The Collection: BarbellsSquat exercises are great for improving your posture because they help strengthen your core muscles, which are responsible for keeping your upper body in alignment. When these muscles become weak, it can cause your torso to slump forward, leading to poor posture. Strengthening your core with squats will help to keep your spine in line, preventing slouching and other postural issues.
Shop The Gear: CAP Barbell Olympic Chrome Bar, 6-ft, $149.99 CADIn addition to strengthening your core, squats can also help build strength in your glutes and hamstrings, two muscles that are essential for good posture. Stronger glutes and hamstrings will help support your lower back, keeping it in its natural arch and helping to prevent lower back pain.
Shop The Collection: KettlebellsFinally, squats can also help stretch out your hip flexors, which can become tight from sitting all day in front of a computer. Tight hip flexors can pull your pelvis forward, resulting in an unnatural curvature of the spine and poor posture.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA 13-35 LB Cast Iron Kettlebell Set, $137.99 CADThere are several different types of squat exercises that can help improve your posture. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Bodyweight squats are one of the simplest and most effective types of squats for improving posture. To do a bodyweight squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands resting lightly on your thighs. Slowly lower yourself down into a squatting position until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then slowly rise up again. Make sure to keep your back straight throughout the exercise and to keep your legs and core engaged to get the maximum benefit.
Goblet squats are another great exercise for improving your posture. To do a goblet squat, stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and hold a light weight (such as a dumbbell or kettlebell) against your chest. Lower yourself down into a squatting position, making sure to keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the exercise. Once you reach the bottom of the squat, pause for a few seconds before slowly rising back up.
Overhead squats are a more challenging variation of the regular squat that can help improve your posture even further. To do an overhead squat, stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and hold a light weight (such as a dumbbell or kettlebell) above your head. Lower yourself down into a squatting position, making sure to keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the entire exercise. Once you reach the bottom of the squat, pause for a few seconds before slowly rising back up.
Squat exercises are an excellent way to improve your posture and keep your body functioning optimally. They help strengthen your core, glutes, and hamstrings, while also stretching out your hip flexors. There are several different types of squats you can do, including bodyweight squats, goblet squats, and overhead squats. So if you’re looking to improve your posture, give these squat exercises a try!