The squat is a great compound movement that works your quads, hamstrings, glutes, adductors and abs. It also strengthens the muscles in the lower back and spine. But there are many variations of squats, which makes it a high-intensity exercise that provides a wide range of muscle activation while developing balance and stability.
known for its benefits on strength and muscle gain, the squat can be performed with dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells. In addition, just about every other exercise you do can be done with a squat variation.
The purpose of this article is to introduce some of the most popular variations of the squat exercise. The eleven exercises listed below will make your workouts more interesting if you are looking for variety.
Squat Variations
1. Front Squat
The front squat is a similar movement to the back squat, but in the front squat, you hold the bar across your clavicle. This position makes it easier to perform the exercise; your spine remains more erect, and the bar rests in front of your shoulders, allowing you to keep good posture. Because you can have better control over your lower back, this variation can be great for people who suffer from lower-back issues.
2. Sumo Squat
The sumo squat is a type of deep squat that targets the inner thighs more than other squats. It is also known as the “wide stance squat”.
The sumo squat is often used by bodybuilders to help them build their gluteus maximus muscles, the movement put more emphasis on the inner thighs and glute muscles because of the wide stance used.
The sumo squat can also be performed holding a kettlebell or dumbbells instead of a barbell, allowing you to add variety to your training.
3. Kneeling Squat
Halting the motion of the squat by half-kneeling means that you are still working your quads, hamstrings and glutes, but it puts less strain on your lower back and knees. This can be a good choice if you want to do a lot of squats without hurting your legs.
4. Overhead Squat
The traditional squat begins with you standing upright and bending your knees. This adds a lot of stress on your lower back and can lead to pain and injury if done incorrectly. The overhead squat removes the strain from your lower back by making you bend forward at the hips, not the knees.
5. Zercher Squats
The zercher squat is a specialized squat, which focuses on the upper region of your legs. It is performed by gripping the barbell cradled in the crook of your arms and tensing your upper back. This exercise is great because it strengthens and develops several muscles that are important for many sports.
For instance, this squat activates all of the muscles in your arms and shoulders while giving strength to your core, back and hips.
6. One-Leg Squat
If you have a weak core, it is possible that you will not be able to do a squat with one leg – this is why you must strengthen your core before doing squats in this way.
One-leg squats are a great option for those who want to increase their muscle strength and balance.
7. Goblet Squat
The goblet squat is similar to the overhead squat but does not require any weight to complete. You will still need to bend forward, keeping your back straight and moving your feet in a wider stance than you would use for a traditional squat. This position will allow you to keep your knees behind your toes while maintaining good posture.
8. Anderson Squat
The Anderson squat is a low-bar position squat that puts less stress on your back. This is a great option if you have a history of lower-back problems and do not think you should lean forward in the traditional squat.
9. Bulgarian Split Squat
The Bulgarian split squat is very different from the other six squat variations; it does not have any weights, and you will use a lift-assist. This exercise will not only help you strengthen your quadriceps and glutes but also work your core muscles.
10. Hack Squat
The hack squat is a machine based movement that is very similar to the traditional squat, but uses a machine instead of free weights. The hack squat is a great option for those who want to focus solely on their legs without having to worry about correct form.
Therefore, not only are you strengthening your quads, hamstrings and glutes but you will also be able to strengthen your upper back and shoulders.
11. Box Squats
The box squat is performed in a power rack with the barbell resting on top of it. The user stands in front of the box and squats down into it without letting his hips fully collapse before standing up again. This exercise is helpful in learning to squat deeper without worrying about balancing the weight.
There are different variations of box squats these include high-bar, front-box and low-bar. However, one of the most common is known as the low-bar box squat which is very similar to a back squat and uses the same weight.
If you have weak hamstrings or low back pain, then the box squat will be perfect for you because it builds up the muscles around your hip joint and does not put direct stress on your back
Benefits Of Using Variations
Performing different squat variations has many benefits . First of all, it will help you develop a stronger, more balanced body. changing variations provide a variety of experiences which will develop different muscle groups.
It is important to realize that using the same squat over and over again will not happen. You need to have variations in your routine in order to achieve maximum results!
Conclusion
Squatting is a great way to get in shape as well as improve your strength, balance and agility. Squats can be performed with or without weight; making it a great option for those who want to do something different than running or lifting weights.
The squat is a very important part of any sport, be it for weight lifting or performance purposes. when done correctly, this movement will strengthen and develop a number of areas of your body that are essential to your training routine.
you can choose from a large number of different squat variations, all with their own advantages and limitations. the next step is to educate yourself on the correct form of squatting. by knowing how to properly squat, you can guarantee that you are doing your body the most justice.