Everyday Squats

Squats are a thorough exercise for strengthening the back side of your body, but the front-oriented lifestyle we all live makes us neglect them. Hiding your squat practice in your daily activities is a great way to do serious exercise without feeling serious about it. Bend your knees and push out your rear to start. Then as you come up, push down into your heels and squeeze your butt muscles as you straighten your legs. It doesn’t matter how far down you squat, so it can be practiced as you take cookies out of the oven or when reaching into your bookshelf. Softening the knees (a tiny squat) can counterbalance the weight of your torso as you lean forward to brush your teeth or wash dishes. And everytime you get in and out of your chair is the classical time to use the squat deliberately. Just adding a little bit of mindfulness at those moments of lowering and raising your body can give you a great dose of exercise in disguise.    

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through MoveAnyWayFitness.com.