Your Cart is Empty
The squat exercise is one of the most important exercises for strengthening the core. It engages many different muscles, including the abs, glutes, and hamstrings. Squats are also a great way to improve balance and coordination, as well as enhance overall physical fitness. Whether you’re just starting out with squats or you’ve been doing them for years, there are plenty of variations that can help you get the most out of your workouts. Here are some squat exercises to strengthen your core.
Shop The Collection: BarbellsThe bodyweight squat is the classic version of the squat exercise. It’s a simple movement that targets all the major muscle groups in the lower body. To perform a bodyweight squat correctly, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointing outward. Keeping your back straight, sit back into a squat position by bending at the hips and knees. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor, then push up through your heels to return to the starting position. You can also add a jump to your squat for an extra challenge.
Shop The Gear: CAP Barbell Olympic Chrome Bar, 6-ft, $135.99 USD
If you’re looking for a more intense variation of the bodyweight squat, the jump squat is a great option. Start in the same position as a bodyweight squat, but this time before you return to the start position, explode off the ground and jump as high as you can. As you land, make sure to absorb the impact by bending at the hips and knees. This exercise will engage your core even more than a traditional squat due to the increased intensity.
Shop The Collection: KettlebellsThe goblet squat is an excellent variation of the traditional bodyweight squat. It adds an external load to the movement, which increases the difficulty and forces your core to work even harder to stabilize your body. To perform a goblet squat, stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing outward. Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell close to your chest with both hands. Sit back into a squat position and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then push up through your heels to return to the start position.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA 13-35 LB Cast Iron Kettlebell Set, $125.99 USD
The barbell back squat is another great variation of the squat exercise. It’s an advanced exercise, so it’s important to use proper form to ensure safety and maximize results. Start by setting up a barbell on a squat rack at chest height. Step underneath the bar and place it on your upper back, just below your traps. Grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath, then unrack the bar and step back. Bend at the hips and knees and lower yourself into a squat position, keeping your back straight. Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, push through your heels and return to the start position.
The front squat is similar to the barbell back squat, except the barbell is placed across the front of your shoulders instead of on your back. This changes the emphasis from your lower body to your upper body, as your core has to work harder to keep the barbell balanced. Start by setting up the barbell on a squat rack at shoulder height. Step up to the bar and grip it with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lift the bar off the rack and hold it at the front of your shoulders. Take a deep breath and lower yourself into a squat position, pushing through your heels to return to the start position.
The overhead squat is another advanced variation of the squat exercise. It works the entire body, but puts an extra emphasis on the core. Start by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing outward. Grab a barbell and press it overhead, gripping the bar with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath and lower yourself into a squat position, pushing through your heels to return to the start position. Make sure to keep your core tight throughout the movement to maintain balance and stability.
Squats are one of the best exercises for strengthening your core. There are many variations of the squat exercise, each targeting different muscle groups and providing an additional challenge. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing squats for years, these exercises can help you get the most out of your workouts. So don’t be afraid to mix it up and try a few new variations!
