Squat variations can make your workout routine more exciting. Here are 7 to try out.
Unless you are a fan of squats, you probably wouldn’t know that there are many types of squats. Truth be told, squats are ideal for shaping your butt and toning your body.
They range from simple to tough, but may be modified to motivate beginners, or performed with heavy weights for advanced levels.
#1 Body weight squat
This is just a regular squat with no weights or equipment. Just get into a basic squat form—feet hip-width apart, squat till your knees reach a 90 degree angle and then maintain the weight on your heels.
Push yourself back to start. Do not lean forward and maintain a straight back.
#2 Plié squat
This squat requires your feet to be wider than hip-width apart. Feet are angled significantly outward. The going-down rules are the same as a regular squat, but this version works your inner thighs more.
Your knees will bend more outwards when you do the plie squat.To advance the level, you may use weights in your hands.
#3 Pulse squat
For a pulse squat you do a basic squat but instead of coming up all the way, you come up only half-way. Then, lower back down into a squat. Repeat this a few times to ‘pulse’. This one is a real burner!
#4 Pylometric squat
These are meant to get your heart rate up really fast. It involves doing the regular body weight squats. The difference is in the coming-up. Instead of coming-up slowly to the stand position, you explode up and land softly on your feet.
#5 Single-leg squat
As the name suggests you do the squat only on one leg. You lift your left leg behind you or keep it as straight as possible in front of you while you squat on your right leg.
Repeat the procedure for the left leg. This is one of the squat variations that builds one particular part of the body.
#6 Goblet squat
This squat is similar to the plie squat and uses a kettle-bell or one heavy dumbbell kept close to the chest when squatting.
#7 Barbell squat
This squat has to be performed in the gym, as it needs barbells. Begin by placing the barbell on your shoulders–mainly on your trapezius muscles–and then, proceed with the regular squat.
Barbell squats are an advanced form of squats, given you can add a lot of weight.