Boost metabolism with pain-free squats

Squats are either your best friend or your archenemy. They use multiple large muscles (gluteals, quadriceps, and hamstrings) in the lower body, which means while you’re doing them you are creating metabolically active muscle. That means you’re going to burn more energy all day even while you might be sitting at that desk than had you not used them. No offense against your biceps, but they can’t boast the same metabolic boost as these big muscles.

If you’re missing out on the benefit of the squat because they’re painful for your knees, try these tips and see if you can reconcile your relationship with the squat and enjoy the results you’ll get from them.

Keep in mind if you sit and stand daily you are doing squats even though you might be avoiding them during your exercise session. If you follow a few tips to make activities of your daily life like sitting or standing more comfortable, you might also find you can strengthen the muscles enough to begin including squats in your routine.

1. Shift weight to your heels and away from the balls of your feet and toes.
2. Send your rear backward instead of your knees forward.
3. Stay in your pain-free range of motion.
4. Increase your depth as you gain strength (and it becomes comfortable).