Okay, yes, while that is a benefit there are so many more reasons to squat! It is one of the most functional movements that will make real-life activities easier. When you perform squats you build muscle and help your muscles work more efficiently. This will also help you overall with mobility and balance.
For proper air squat technique start with your feet shoulder width apart and slightly toed out. Look straight ahead, maintain lumbar curve while keeping midsection very tight. Send your butt back and down, knees tracking over the line of the foot keeping your weight in the heels, chest up. Lift your arms out and up as you descend. Stop when the fold of the hip is below the knee, break parallel with the thigh. Finish by standing to full hip and knee extension. Once you master these you can start to perform goblet squats, front squats, back squats, and the more difficult overhead squats.
Most people think squats only increase leg strength, however they also work your core and stabilizing muscles which help you maintain balance. Squats can strengthen weak stabilizer muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues as well. They help prevent injury by increasing your flexibility because they improve the range of motion in your ankles and hips.
It seems I frequently have clients that don’t want to squat with weights for fear of getting “big” or “bulky”, but when I explain to them that one of the best ways to burn more calories is actually to gain more muscle. For every pound of additional muscle you gain, your body will burn an additional 50-70 calories per day! I think most people would agree they would rather have toned, lean muscle than simply be thin and weak. In addition, studies have shown that squatting helps athletes run faster, and jump higher, just another bonus no matter what your sport is.
Few exercises work as many muscles as the squat. This multi-purpose movement is useful for tightening and toning your glutes, abs, and legs, and so much more! That being said, get to the gym and “Drop it like a squat!” 😉