The simplicity of the squat allows any participant the benefit of working their entire body against gravities constant resistance
What’s required to earn the title ‘King of Resistance Training Exercises’?
Is it one of the most dynamic and complex movements ever designed? Or is it a movement that is so simple and foundational it can help the body and mind develop a strong and energetic center that can be built upon throughout an entire fitness journey?
In all fairness, it’s not a question that’s easy to answer. But, in accordance with most scientific principles and concepts, typically the simplest solution and or direction is usually the most productive. Squats are not only no exception to this rule, they’re likely the foundation of it. As far as fitness may be concerned!
How does something so simple generate such a strong conclusion, especially when the 21st century has no shortage of exercise concepts that could change the game?
It’s a matter of gravity.
Our natural world is made up of elements and dimensions. Not dimensions like those of science fiction, but dimensions of time, distance, temperature, etc. The reality is, most of these dimensions are variable.
Someone can maximize or limit the rest time between sets. They can take a shorter step between lunges cutting the distance from one point to another and minimizing total volume. Or maximizing it as they shorten the distance between the same lunge. The only element that is constant and cannot be changed is gravity.
While weight can be variable between each individual performing resistance training exercises, thus modifying the mass variable in a volume equation, there is no getting away from gravity pulling someone closer to the earth. Unless you resist.
The simplicity of the squat allows any participant the benefit of working their entire body against gravities constant resistance in any capacity. Whether there’s 500 pounds across one’s back or the movement is performed with body weight. The benefit is universal because the foundational movement resists gravities constant influence, thus generating strength over time.
The tricky dimension to this equation: time.
More specifically, the amount of time one is willing to invest. In short, how strong would one’s body and mind become if they resisted gravity over one year’s time? Ten years? One lifetime?
