How to Get Stronger at Doing Squats
Here are some proven tips and ideas for improving your squat.
If you are interested in learning how to improve your squat, then you will probably want to know what squat exercises are and what they do for you. The most commonly performed exercises for the quads are deadlifts, squats, and bent-over rows. Each of these exercises works the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, as well as the gluteus maximus. It is important to keep all of these muscle groups in a strong and functional position, which is where much of the power behind a good performance comes from.
Deadlifts and squats are both great ways to build strength and power in the legs, but what sets them apart is that deadlift and squat training puts much less stress on the lower back than other strength exercises. This means that when you are thinking about how to improve your squat, you will need to focus more on developing your ability to move your legs quickly and powerfully. To test this theory, try it: while holding a dumbbell in each hand, take a deep breath and jump up into the air.
The way this exercise works is by using a moderate amount of weight and performing the lift slowly, with proper form. Your weight should be coming down only half way, and you should be taking one step out at a time. You want to build strength in the glutes and the lower back, not your hamstrings, and this drill will help you achieve that. Perform five sets of ten, resting in between each set for the same amount of time that you perform the actual lift. If you want to know how to improve your squat, then you must make sure that you always take your time and focus on quality, not quantity.
When it comes to squatting with proper technique, one of the best things you can do is using a pair of squatting shoes. They are designed specifically to put you in a biomechanically superior position to execute a technically sound squat. The best squat shoes have a thick sole, a raised heel, ankle support, and a thick canvas exterior that keeps your feet firmly in place when doing squats.
Another effective drill that can help you develop single-leg strength when it comes to squatting is known as the concentric phase. The concentric phase of this lift requires you to lift a heavy load from a standing start, and then keep the weight as close to your body as possible throughout the lift. As you come down from the top, your arms should be relatively close together, as they were when you first took the lift. From there, you should take a very smooth, fluid motion and return to the starting position. Performing this drill a few times will help you develop a strong concentric phase, which will translate to better power when it comes to your squats.
While developing great power in your legs is important, it is equally important that you also work to prevent injuries during your squats. If you have a pair of dumbbells and a barbell, it is highly recommended that you do squats with them. Dumbbell squats can be very punishing on your knees, and while knee wraps can help with this injury, they shouldn't be used all the time. For squats, use your legs only to counterbalance the weight and improve your vertical jump.
As your understand how to improve your squat you should start to see an improvement in your power, your explosiveness, and your strength. Powerlifters who don't pay attention to the way that they are squatting can be at a serious disadvantage in their sport. As with any training progrm, you need to make sure that you are always doing the right thing, and that includes keeping your form clean and your form correct.