…which one should you do?
As a certified personal trainer
working for gyms like Equinox Fitness Clubs, I can tell you that in a gym,
anywhere you turn you are likely to see members and /or trainers doing squats.
I do them myself as well as with many of my clients.
Why is this exercise so popular?
Think, for a moment, about the way young
children move. They squat to play in the sand box, they squat just to sit and
take a break. They so effortlessly move through this range of motion as if it
were natural. You know why, because it is, or it least is was (for us) at one
time.
So, what happens to us as we get older,
taller, bigger, why do so many seem to loose this ability to squat? For one
thing, we don't use the body in the same way. It's not likely that you'll squat
while on line at the grocery store, and usually when we want to sit and
"take a break", as adults we use furniture. So naturally we are out
of practice.
Here's the good news, doing squats is extremely beneficial in so many
ways. And…Overtime you can improve and begin to regain some of the lost
ability.
(this pic demonstrates a modified squat.)
Here are some benefits of doing squats:
- Overall toning and strengthen in your lower body and legs.
- Development of:
- Butt, (glutieus maximus),
- Hips (gluteus medius),
- Thighs, (quadriceps),
- Hamstrings and Calfs.
- Butt, (glutieus maximus),
Now let’s compare the squat to the
dancer's plie in second position.
Apart from my experience as a personal
trainer, I've been a dancer and dance instructor of 18 years. From that
experience, I can tell you this; unlike the gym atmosphere, if you were to walk
through any dance school, you'd be hard pressed to find students and teachers
doing squats. What you would see however, is piles.
What's a plie, you ask? It is
simply a bending of the knees. But, because it is done with a slight external
rotation (known to dancers as turn out) it engages different muscles than the
squat.
(this pic demonstrates narrow stance plie in second postion)
Plies can be done in many (dance) positions
of the feet, but for today, I want to talk about 2nd position plies. Second
position is done with the feet pointed outward. This is a result of the hips
being slightly externally rotated (turned out). This exercise can be done in
both a narrow and a wide stance.
Here's why I love them:
Like their sister movement the squat, 2nd
position plies work
- Butt, (gluts maximus)
- Thighs, (quadriceps)
- Hamstrings
In addition, it is also an
incredible workout for your:
- Inner thighs (adductors)
These two exercises also share some common benefits such
as:
- allowing the joints & muscles to become soft and pliable
- assisting the tendons in maintaining flexibility and elasticity
- Creating a sense of balance.
So my answer to the question is do both, the parallel squat and the turned out plie. You will begin to create longer, leaner looking legs!
You can start off either
with the squat or the 2nd position plie. But, once you've determined you are
comfortable with the movement, Try this:
Do Squats, (8 – 16 reps)
Then, without a rest period, do 2nd position plies (8 – 16 reps)
Rest :30seconds to 1 minute
Repeat entire set 2 more times.
Remember it is important to be safe and realistic about your fitness
goals. Be patient with yourself, start slow if you need to, consistency will
prove effective.
Have fun; go get those strong, fierce, long and lean legs!
Patty Rose
www.PattyRose.com
Creator of DanceStrong!(tm) DVD
DanceStrong! DVD Review
Committed to helping people find inspiration and motivation to move & dance!
Always check with your Doctor before starting a new exercise program.
