Why You Should Squat

Please don't forget to leave a comment and suggest any topic you would like to see. Thank you!
-----
Follow Us!
beacons.ai/instituteofhumanan...
-----
More Videos:
➡️ Why You Have a Kneecap and How it Unleashes Your Quads • Why You Have a Kneecap...
➡️ Strength vs Hypertrophy: The Science of Building Muscle • Strength vs Hypertroph...
➡️ Does Grip Strength Really Help You Live Longer? • Does Grip Strength Rea...
-----
Why You Should Squat
-----
In this video, Jonathan from the Institute of Human Anatomy discusses why the squat is often considered the "King of All Exercises." He talks about why this is more than just an exercise for your quads, glutes, and hamstrings by going over all of the other surprising muscles required to squat. He also discusses eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions, the joints involved in squatting, and even how to breathe properly to help make your squats more safe and effective.
-----
0:00 - 0:49 Intro
0:50 - 1:40 The Joint Movements Required to Squat
1:41 - 2:52 Lower Leg Muscles Needed to Squat: Gastrocnemius & Soleus
2:53 - 3:29 The Muscles of the Foot!
3:30 - 4:49 How the Quads Work During a Squat
4:50 - 5:58 How the Hamstrings Working During a Squat
5:59 - 6:25 One of the Largest Muscles in the Body: Gluteus Maximus
6:26 - 8:45 Some of the Most Important Muscles Fort Squatting: Obliques, Transversus Abdominis, and Spinal Extensors (Erector Spinae)
8:46 - 10:41 Muscles That Protect Your Spine During Squatting
10:42 - 12:12 How to Breathing Properly While Squatting
12:13 - 14:22 The "Forgotten" Thigh Muscle That is Important For Squatting: Adductor Magnus!
14:23 - 15:22 Teaser: Built to Squat
Music I use: Bensound.com
License code: NTM80NVD8E5XQCLH
#squats #exercise #anatomy

[@406dn7]

I never skip leg day at the gym. It isn't so much I "enjoy" leg day, but it is too beneficial to ignore. I'm a 73 year old lifter who has been lifting for the last 8 years. The squat is the foundation of getting strong. Too many people are afraid to do it.

[@user-ij5ny6uc9f]

Too lazy to do it. LOL

[@wombat5252]

@@user-ij5ny6uc9f No....More like very risky if you're not properly doing it. You can sort of screw up exercises with other body parts, not so much the squat. Deadlift can be even worse. I was young and dumb and herniated a few discs doing it many years ago. I have a bit of scoliosis since I was very young so I can't exactly squat 100% perfectly nor am I (supposed) to go all the way down to the ground like I tried doing that day. I either go light weight or moderately light or I use a belt if I want to go heavier but I don't do much anymore. Only exercise that still scares me even though I still do it because it's beneficial in many ways.

[@Tribuneoftheplebs]

​@@wombat5252 i been lifting for 4 years with a squat over 500 lbs with reps. Never done a deadlift cuz I dont see the risks as worth it

[@marcelleohara8683]

​@@wombat5252😅

[@adamhelper3277]

Bro you didnt start lifting till you were 65 and you wanna give advice? Lol

[@chibbyylol]

After 2 years of lifting, you've convinced me now go do my first leg day! Wish me luck

[@303cris]

Goodluck sponge bob

[@alexsnow3319]

Never skip leg day, chicken legs!

[@AhtoNajeebRashied]

No luck required, but consistency is

[@theanatomylab]

Good luck!

[@bbszabi]

Rename it squat day and it already feels better :)

[@tawabshaikh7712]

For every like this comment gets I will do 1 squat. Edit : Omg so many likes thank you, well I will continue to do squats but its hard to meet this no.

[@theanatomylab]

👍🏻

[@saswatadey642]

Wait for 1.5k like

[@tawabshaikh7712]

So far 59 squats 😅​@@saswatadey642

[@snakesonn3590]

Fail

[@R.c.475]

Good luck my dude

[@nyern]

Jonathan showing off his gluteal gains today

[@theanatomylab]

😂

[@andrewhooper7603]

when he exhaled at the bottom and was still able to exit 🤯

[@RichXVIII]

Jonathan: "sorry about my ass you guys" Also Johnathan: *Fondles actual cadaver muscle flaps all video long*

[@greekmaverick]

Your back-squat with the barbell looks like at least 225 lbs!

[@manojreddy123]

He ain’t twerk?

[@scraps4019]

What amazes me about this channel is that even with an extensive history of quality content they continue produce quality content. They don't weaken. This video on the significance of squatting is premium. I'm looking forward to part two.

[@Frediusvitae]

As a med student,i find your channel incredibly heplful. Thanks for everything

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you! Good luck in school!

[@johzuke1]

The best exercise. It's a must to get strong at squats to utilize your legs as well as possible and avoid injuries.

[@theanatomylab]

👍🏻

[@Ranganation]

It’s not the best exercise, nor the best leg exercise.

[@simbadooo9055]

@BlankTarget-hf8gw why?

[@johzuke1]

Everything I am able to do on ground stems from my squat power. Whether it's crazy tricks, olympic lifting, fast sprinting. The movement pattern is so healing for the knees and ankles too if you work on your ass to grass mobility and squat as low as possible.

[@johzuke1]

@BlankTarget-hf8gw dude why do you hate the squat so much? What did it do to you? 😂 I'm geniunely curious. Because for me back and front squat has been something that I have felt the most benefits out of in my sport tricking. Single leg deadlift is one really great one too. That exercise got me a single leg backflip (gainer switch) world record along with training the squat.

[@Montagic]

Man your channel is just absolute gold, especially if you’re someone who is interested in resistance training. Some of the most comprehensive overviews of how exercise applies to muscle hypertrophy on an anatomical level. I’ve been squatting for 9 years now, and beyond just getting bigger legs I experience little to no knee or joint pain and I’m able to enjoy so much more outdoor activity without fatigue or injury

[@theresabettle2913]

It’s not that I can’t squat. I just can’t getup after I get down there!😂

[@killerdead77]

Less weight my guy less weight

[@lean4real_11]

you can do it. start by holding onto something to help, or putting something under your heels to elevate them, in case you don’t have the ankle flexibility. don’t even need weight. but as you get stronger, you will

[@theanatomylab]

😂

[@alexsnow3319]

Do "negatives," of the exercise with body weight. And you don't go down as far to start. Like doing wall pushes to train for push-ups, or starting in the up position for pull-ups (that's a negative version). But always start bodyweight.

[@ashleyzviitei]

We are in the same boat...bad back, ankles and knees.

[@gg.youlubeatube6249]

Amount of time spent on preparation for this video deserves a cookie. Or another milion subs.

[@theanatomylab]

Haha. Admittedly I had to film the part with the bar multiple times because I kept messing up the mic. Thank you for the comment!

[@sonjagatto9981]

@@theanatomylab You are just an amazing Mensch❣

[@jellyosbahr]

I do a lot of squats, but not weight lifting at the gym. I have an allotment and I’ve never knelt down when gardening, I’ve always squatted, it’s just more comfortable than kneeling. Watching this, I like to believe that even without a barbell it’s helping keep me fit.

[@sstrick500]

Watching this while eating a pulled-pork sandwich. Great.

[@theanatomylab]

😂

[@Aarohnn]

As someone who’s all into fitness, I love the videos about anything exercise related.

[@Scrungge]

Eccentric movement = temporary lengthening during muscle contraction. Isometric movement is holding the muscle without any lengthening or contracting and concentric movement is shortening the muscle while it contracts. Writing this down for myself lol.

[@theanatomylab]

😂

[@tracieatkinson7989]

Thank you for taking the time to create these videos!! They are my absolute favorite types of content. The human body is fascinating and being able to dive deep, without being in a lab, is awesome.

[@ganeshwarsekhri2810]

Squat is my favourite exercise

[@theanatomylab]

👍🏻

[@01379]

It BURNS the quads, but the burn's good😂🔥 I do MadFit's 10 min. lower-body exercise

[@fearson7831]

squats and lunges

[@aamirsiddiqi]

Liars

[@ItRhymesWith]

based

[@side3672]

Please do a video covering the deadlift! By far my favourite lift right after squats.

[@ShubhamDwivedi]

As a regular watcher of your videos , I came back to this video today just before my leg day to have some added motivation. Squats are my absolute favourite exercise and now I have more reasons to keep doing them and getting better at them. Thanks a ton.

[@AlexanderALZA]

Can't get enough of this channel guys! Thank you so much for your work 🤝🏼

[@monica11119]

I love anatomy! I learn so much with your videos, thank you!💫🙏

[@Daiiisssology]

These anatomy videos are phenomenal! I'm a massage therapist, so I enjoy the anatomy and seeing the cadaver puts it all together. I've been squatting for a while, but my breathing has been a problem. I'm going to try your technique on Wednesday. Can't wait!

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you! Have fun on Wednesday!

[@kyungshim6483]

Another amazing video from IHA. You guys rock! Where were you during my teens when I started lifting weights? You would have saved me years of pain and agony. Thanks! and keep up the good work!

[@herbjergens6350]

Fantastic video, very educational!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@go4jackson]

I've had so many injuries before the waste.. I've never had anyone explain the anatomy so well to me in the years of medical treatment I've received. You're it here doing God's work. Subscribed

[@blackrosenuk]

Love this! More exercise science, please!!!!

[@LeAnnHenri]

Watching this on day 7 of a 100 Squats a day in July challenge and it answered EVERY SINGLE question I've been googling during these 7 days of what muscles I'm working, benefits, and most importantly if I'm breathing right! This was SO timely and I'm excited for the next video!

[@stephorelse]

Blink 3 times if Squat University took you hostage for the making of this video 😂

[@cherrymetha3185]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@theanatomylab]

Haha. I love Squat University! We should probably do a video together...

[@LGTVQHD]

@@theanatomylab that would be awesome

[@user-qs7pr7kl2j]

😉😉😉

[@MisadventureMisty]

I would love a video on pelvic floor muscles. I feel there’s been a lot more discourse around it but I’m not totally certain what they do or what issues could be caused by weakness there.

[@euchiron]

Your channel is one of my favorites for the quality of information. And your Cold Plunging video showed that you have nothing to apologize for regarding your back side 😸

[@user-qf3tz7fr1g]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MRBRIANLI007]

I hope the upcoming video can talk about deadlift. Squat and deadlift are the core components of body training

[@loganwolv3393]

Thank you, now i finally get why breathing is important during squatting. Definently gonna try it out next time i'll be squatting.

[@MissBlackMetal]

Steady, full breathing is extremely important during any exercise! Especially if one of your goals is to burn fat: this is an extremely simplified way of thinking about it, but essentially, part of the fat your body burns is exhaled as CO2, so if you aren't breathing as much, you won't burn as much fat! I'm completely serious, Google it if you'd like further information and references :) Good luck, and keep breathing deeply!

[@matthewschenker3170]

As a trainer, I spend a special time on squats with my clients. I separate it from other exercises for numerous reasons. There are so many important details to getting the movement correct, but also so many benefits to getting it all right! Your video is a great resource to help illustrate for my clients why squats are important, and why we need to spend time to do it right. My only hesitation is that some clients may not like seeing cadavers!

[@denisejames855]

I love squats. I am 77 and find this video so enlightening even though I work in a class with Exercise Physiologist as trainer. We receive explanations but this is so helpful in further understanding these muscles.

[@ultimatist]

Really cool, can't wait for the next one!

[@dianarohan3744]

You are a great motivator. Going to work on my squats more. I have long legs and have always had difficulty with squats but I’m definitely going to do more. I love your videos!

[@westworldemployee7]

You're an amazing teacher! This is fascinating! And I love your study aids!

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you!!!

[@phelixjuma7536]

​@@theanatomylabare these real human specimen??

[@Maciej-Komosinski]

@@phelixjuma7536 Yes

[@bobamburn7081]

Excellent video. Thank you for posting this. Please keep showing more muscle activation videos for various movements. These are helping me greatly.

[@damonrunyon370]

Thank you for sharing the information of the body and Squat exercise!

[@Lucid18722]

So much good information here presented in an engaging manner! Thanks for the video! I can apply this knowledge to my future workouts :)

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you!

[@carlpacquing2575]

I love these exercise videos! I'm looking forward to the next squat video. I have a torn hip labrum, which has forced me to eliminate deep squats for the time being. Once that is repaired, I cannot wait to begin squatting again!

[@WindFlow220]

I have recently added intense leg day to get strong legs like my idol Ronaldo 😅 I am 17 and only did upper body workout but leg day is surely a game changer😊

[@rdyer8764]

Great. Looking forward to the next one.

[@oksanaramadan46]

Thank you for this amazing video! Perfect explanation!

[@silviopina_111]

You are a gift to all of us! ❤

[@gallardosbull]

Amazing video. Great presentation and dialogue. Much appreciated!

[@apollograham]

Love the informative content really interesting as always! As a runner I would love to see a video on all the muscles used in running! along with the effects that running has.

[@itsrenay22]

I love this! thank you for creating such informative videos

[@RebelMusic4Rebels]

Great content! Good job!

[@evrik78]

Great video. Thank you!

[@blacktarmac]

Great content, thanks!

[@monkeyfinger7949]

Another amazingly good tutorial. I have hurt my back in the past doing squats and machine calf raises - anything that puts a weight load on my shoulders. So I quit those exercises and have had no back problems since. My take away from those injuries was that I was experiencing spinal compression - squashing the vertebrae together (or dislocation), pinching my spinal nerve bundle. But, you have given me some more insight that I might use to try some squats again. I will however, be remembering how I was bed ridden with back pain at one point in the late 80's from squats.

[@MrTraveller.]

Great fitness gym vids. Thx

[@kimberlynelson6104]

Excellent Video. I loved seeing so much of the cadaver.

[@JoaoWowww]

Another easy way to remember the three columns (Iliocostalis, Longissimus and Spinalis) of the spinal erector is I Love Squats.

[@SenseiEpu]

That was awesome. With my knees being problematic (possibly arthritis as a quinquagenarian) when doing squats or lunges, I'm looking at ways to adjust my technique to reduce discomfort. This video has given me a lot of insight. Many thanks.

[@tora_scrolls]

Can’t spell legendary without leg day. That checks out for this channel too

[@mythicknight8269]

This video is great! I love learning about how my body is able to do the exercise I do

[@Latoree33]

Thank you, this was so interesting. Considering I will be in my 70's soon.

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@jasonhaynes5446]

One of the best channels on KZbin.

[@HarishGowthamErd]

More than any other video to get inspired to work out, this channel keeps me going to the gym ❤ onwards and upwards guys 👏

[@ozzstars_cars]

Amazing how much I learned about squatting while laying down on my couch watching the video.

[@visentfalcon2192]

Real content, there is the explanation and the actual exercise, AND the "muscle view"

[@RonthonSi]

Thank you for this video, great explanation.

[@mgcmsn]

This is a really useful content, thank you!

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@shirleyowens3288]

Great video thanks a lot❤😊

[@jacobvandenbeukel589]

Great vid 👍very educational

[@DeanDriveSerenity]

You are sooooo intelligent. Thank you. If I can remember 1/3 of what you have taught, I will be very pleased

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@abhedpatil7822]

Hats off to ur knowledge.....respects to u

[@amyhenningsgard8618]

Great information, thanks! Didn’t realize that the adductors were so big. 👍🏻

[@mr.snippy]

Thanks for the reminder and motivation to get back to doing my squats. I tend to leave them out of my workouts mostly because I have a knee that's starting to give me trouble😅.

[@theanatomylab]

You're so welcome! Hopefully you can figure out what is going on with your knee!

[@cherrymetha3185]

Knees are the first to go! lol!

[@marcospiazza2961]

Search for different ways to warm them up! Also you could try sissy squats (assisted so that it doesn't hurt)

[@angeladavies]

How deep should I go? I am trying to go as deep as possible now my meniscus tear one year on is okay & tibia fibula stress fracture pretty okay. Also can you talk about walking hills (how what muscles are needed? How to keep them strong functional as we age? Ie 56 thankyou.

[@Deathington.]

​@angeladavies If you aren't using weights you should be able to do squats all the way til your butt is level with your heels.

[@CandyDreamzEnt]

I've been watching you for years and can I say you aged gracefully

[@chriscogburn2373]

Man, I appreciate your channel so much. I hope my watching contributes a little financially to afford you a cup of coffee one morning while you reflect on what an awesome job you're doing. Thanks again!

[@smokeglacken]

I am 46 and pretty active…I run about 20 miles a week and I enjoy doing push ups, pullups, dips etc. However, up until a few weeks ago I would have wicked pain in the front of my right knee cap going up stairs or any sort of incline. My wife recommended me squatting to strengthen my knee cap and although I didn’t think it would do anything, it’s been life changing! Just doing some basic squats with good form has completed gotten rid of my right knee pain. I want to cry every time I go up a flight of stairs because for so long I was accustomed to being a pain. Just doing squats has been a life saver!! 🙏

[@ghost_lukh]

Thanks for the breathing technique, something I've been trying to figure out how to get it right

[@jjbode1]

I can already squat at age 70 but am looking forward to learn more about it.

[@srinivask1891]

I love the way that you explained. It's pushing me to go gym and giving enough motivation. I really liked your other videos where you have explained about the fat storage in our body. It feels me alarm and I got motivated to stress of fat. Now I'm in journey of fat burning and Thanks for helping doing it.

[@AbovetheBar.Fitness]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!🎉

[@dundrumleith]

Thanks. It's very helpful to think about the difference between eccentric contraction and stretching.

[@BMN_Prime]

I’ve been doing 64 squats every single day since a couple months ago, it started with 5 back in 2019 Edit: I don't do it with any weights due to my home situation not letting me and half an hour of exercise a day is good for you each day!

[@theanatomylab]

👍🏻

[@abhi36292]

👍​@@theanatomylab

[@WeakyRepz-]

​@@theanatomylab👍

[@gg.youlubeatube6249]

If you do exercise every second (or even 4th) day, you get better results. Body is build while it rests, but you didnt give it time yet, to do so.

[@Cryhardstayma̋d]

👍​@@theanatomylab

[@ahmedelswsany2072]

Great video ❤

[@RemyNas24]

Thanks dude!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@theanatomylab]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@shreyashidey9590]

Awesome demonstration! Going to share this with my students.. love this channel.. 😊 keep such awesome vedios coming 🤗

[@theanatomylab]

Thank you! Hope your students like it!

[@gladyspadilla1803]

Love how you explain.😮

[@lf2game]

amazing educational video with some cheeky jokes. nicely done.

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elbojoloco]

This is very interesting, would love to see more about the biggest compounds in general. Such as the deadlift and pull-up, or maybe some science behind unilateral exercises

[@LifeLikeSea]

Amazing video !

[@monicaholbrook1472]

I more recently added a dedicated lower body day. I am a yoga instructor and have an anatomy background. Even with all that, your video is extremely helpful.

[@ManuelSiddhi]

Hi! I love your explaination. Thanks ❤

[@2sweetspot1997]

my god this video literally made so many things crystal clear...

[@SR-fd7mw]

Excellent Video

[@user-jr3dx7wl6j]

These vids are excellent

[@bobert6259]

I’m so excited for your next video cus my deadlift is so much higher than my squat and I suspect it could be due to anatomy

[@manjubinduhewa1177]

Tks for ur knowledge sharing. It helps to improve exercising x1000 times

[@HellMetal5]

Great! Waiting for the next video on squats

[@jeangreen432]

Love these new videos, thank you so much!! Valsalva maneuver...blood pressure...would've been good to include in breathing and performing?

[@idelisacruz-nw5yb]

Love this video, thanks 😀😀😀😀😀

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@jimcindykimk3802]

So much knowledge to contain but I enjoyed the video 😊😊 thanks for the lesson 😁

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimcindykimk3802]

@@theanatomylab 👍🏽

[@btkt225]

i got leg day today, this is perfect timing

[@danielbrillantes2791]

🔥 Please do a series about different workouts, which muscles are involved and how the muscles work. thank you, very helpful videos on visualizing what is happening on the body while I'm doing the workout

[@fall_owerofChrist]

Loved squatting before this video,love it even more after this video Thanks for the information guys

[@theanatomylab]

Glad you liked it!!

[@theanatomylab]

It can, but there are multiple factors that contribute to belly fat.