Squats. Some love them, some hate them. Where do you fall?

I actually love them (just not of the Bulgarian nature!) – they are effective and challenging, but they can basically be done anywhere so it’s nice to be able to sneak a few in here and there!

But did you know why you should do them regularly? They are ripe with benefits but here are some of the key ones:

• Few exercises work as many muscles as the squat, so it’s an excellent multi-purpose activity useful for toning and tightening your behind, abs, and, of course, your legs.
• Squats are one of the best functional exercises out there, as humans have been squatting since the hunter-gatherer days. When you perform squats, you build muscle and help your muscles work more efficiently, as well as promote mobility and balance.
• Squatting helps athletes run faster and jump higher, which is why this exercise is part of virtually every professional athlete’s training program.
• For every pound of additional muscle you gain, your body will burn an additional 50-70 calories per day. And squats? Oh boy do they build muscle!
• Squats are terrific for increasing leg strength. They also work your core, stabilizing muscles, which will help you to maintain balance.
• Squats improve the range of motion in your ankles and hips, which helps prevent injury.
• Squats can actually help you improve both your upper and lower body strength – squats are intense enough that they trigger the release of testosterone and human growth hormone in your body, which are vital for muscle growth.

They are really a full body exercise, not just meant to shape your booty!

So lay it on me – who does their squats regularly!?