Health

Deep Squat: Everything You Should Know before Performing

Published

3 years ago

11/05/2020

Andy

Deep squats help stimulate multiple muscle groups leading to core stability and several health benefits. Deep squats are excellent for strength training and improving your athletic performance.

If you want to see some reliable results, include the deep squats as a staple exercise in your workouts.

Squats are known to increase knee stability and are a great way to tone your legs, back, and shoulders. Since it is a greater body workout, all your body’s muscles get worked out and pumped up, so you get to reap more significant benefits out of just one exercise!

What is the Concept of Deep Squat?

Deep squat makes a knee angle of greater than 120 degrees, the main areas squats aim are the legs. The concept behind deep squats is to attain stability and maintain a good body balance.

It is said that the king of all exercises are squats! In this type of exercise, the body is supported on the feet and the knees are bent so that the buttocks rest on or near the heels.

There are many variations of squats, including deep barbell squats, which increase lower-back stability and deep squat stretches, which are great for strengthening the thigh. However, deep squats have leverage over them as it increases overall body strength and flexibility.

10 Benefits of Doing Deep Squat Exercise

1. Core muscle building and lean body mass

Deep squat exercises help in the muscle building as they promote healthy hypertrophy in the thigh region. This exercise also dramatically helps in core muscle building, especially of the lower abdominal muscles. Moreover, deep squats are beneficial if your goal is to achieve lean body mass and core stability.

2. Deep squats improve flexibility

If you ask any athletes or gymnasts about their go-to exercises, one of their regulars is deep squats. When doing this workout, your body switches between stretch and static motions are improving flexibility.

Our routines are such that we sit all day, most of us are too lazy to work out, let alone the strenuous squats! But, here is the good news! You don’t need to go to the gym to stretch out! Deep squats help stretch out our calf muscles and Achilles the most. This causes your muscles to activate stretch out improving flexibility.

3. Increases the level of good hormones

Your body produces many hormones in the bloodstream. Some of these hormones also include testosterone and human growth hormone. Stretching and deep squats help in muscle recovery! This exercise activates hormones that trigger an increase in muscle mass in areas other than the legs.

4. Better posture

Deep squats improve joint mobility and help strengthen your back muscles. It will help your body and spine align to their natural positions. You will attain a better posture with time and feel like your body has shed a load.

5. Stronger joints

When your muscles strengthen, it automatically supports your joints and protects them. Squatting improves the range of motion of the joints. Almost all joints have fluids in them to keep the joints from rubbing together. As you perform squats, more nutrients are brought towards the joints through the synovial fluid, thus making the joints healthier and stronger.

6. Helps to build nice and strong legs

Since deep squatting helps strengthen the gluteus and hips, it gives your legs more strength. Including deep squats in regular workouts increase the stability and the shock-absorbing ability around the knee area. On the other hand, deep squats are the key to shredded thighs and calves. Who doesn’t want a nice but and those worked out legs looking oh-so-good!

FMS deep squats demonstrate flexibility and core stability pattern of the hip and shoulders functioning in symmetrical positions.

7. Healthier knees

Initially, people were of the opinion that deep squats could be harmful to the knees. However, according to research, the preceding statement proved to be wrong. In fact, deep squats actually strengthen the ligaments, help reduce knee inflammation, and promote healthier knee bones. When your thigh and hip muscles are strong, they prevent any impacts on the knee and divide the body’s load evenly.

8. Back Pain Relief

Since deep squats target core muscles, it also helps alleviate the back pain. When you are going to a squatting position, it helps stabilize the pelvis and spine muscles. When these muscles are strong, they support the back and prevent it from getting overworked.

9. Improved Digestive Health

Regular deep squats help promote the regularity of your bowel movement, which in turnprevents constipation. Since your digestive system improves, your body tends to absorb more calcium for the bones preventing arthritis, irregular blood pressure and poor circulation. A good digestive system also boosts the athletic abilities of a person; thus, you feel less lazy and more active.

10. Increases Bone Density

When you put pressure onto your bones, the bones start growing. This results in bone formation, which is done when cells called osteoclasts in the bone multiply. Deep squats help increase bone mineral density hence helping you achieve healthier bones. Always use lighter weights when going for a lower squat rather than the heavier weights, which are appropriate for partial squats.

Is It Safe to Squat Deep?

Yes, it is safe to deep squat as long as you do not do it with heavy loads and have healthy knees.

Doing deep squats increases the knees’ stability, corrects posture, and helps strengthen the lower body. However, keep in mind that not doing deep squats correctly can cause excessive compression forces on joints, which can result in sprains and strains. This can also lead to knee pain and might damage the knees as well. The best way to know if you are doing deep squats correctly is to follow professional deep squats videos and consult a physical therapist.

How to Perform Deep Squat in a Right Way?

Firstly stand with your feet wide apart with dumbbells in your hands above your head. Now smoothly squat down till the thigh is parallel to the calves. Hold the position for 5 seconds. Don’t curl your shoulders and maintain a slightly extended spine. Now squat up back to the initial position standing straight with your feet apart. Follow the steps accurately and efficiently for the best results! If you are still unsure of how to do it, take a look at this video!

How Do You Do Deep Squats at Home?

You can start by watching videos, exercise tutorials, or using apps that may help you and assist you in the deep squats exercise to be performed properly at home. You will need dumbbells for this exercise. You can call an instructor home or take online classes for proper guidance. Don’t forget to stay consistent until the results start showing. You will have to be patient. Follow this video to make sure you are not skipping any step.

Conclusion

Although regular squats help keep you in shape, but deep squats are a workout for the entire body. They help build overall body strength and improve your body’s flexibility score. It is the way to a healthy digestive system and prevents many diseases also.

You don’t need to be a pro to start, just some warm-up and some tips will get you going!

Deep squats are one of those exercises to which you will stick to for life once you start at it!

Health

When to Know Your Sore Throat Needs Urgent Attention

Published

7 days ago

04/09/2024

Andy

when-to-know-your-sore-throat-needs-urgent-attention

Sore throats are incredibly common, especially in children, and, in most cases, are nothing to be concerned about. However, sometimes they are a sign of something more serious.

If you have a persistent sore throat or your child keeps complaining of having a sore throat and you are starting to worry, it can be a good idea to know when a sore throat requires urgent attention.

What are the most common causes of a sore throat?

Most colds are caused by a virus, such as the common cold or seasonal flu. However, there are other potential causes, including:

Allergies
Bacteria
Dry air
Exposure to pollutants, excessive dust or chemicals

Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke

Could my sore throat be a sign of throat cancer?

In rare cases, a sore throat can be a sign of cancer in the throat, which affects around 1% of the adult population. There are several different types of throat cancer, including nasopharyngeal cancer, glottic cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.

As mentioned above, it is very unlikely that your sore throat is a symptom of having throat cancer, although it is important to know that it could be. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of throat cancer include:

A cough

Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or an inability to speak properly
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
A lump or sore that does not heal

Weight loss

It is also worth knowing the factors that increase your risk of throat cancer, such as being a smoker or chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections such as HPV, and exposure to toxic substances.

Do I have strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes your throat feel sore and scratchy. This infection only accounts for a small percentage of sore throats, however, if left untreated, it can cause issues including inflammation of the kidneys and rheumatic fever.

Strep throat is most common in children, although it can occur in adults as well. If you suspect that you or your child has strep throat, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Some of the most common signs of strep throat include:

A sore throat
Chills
A headache
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Nausea and/or vomiting

It is worth knowing that strep throat does not normally cause a cough, so if you have this symptom, you are more likely to have a viral infection.

Is a sore throat a symptom of COVID?

While a sore throat can be a symptom of COVID, it is not as common as a fever and a dry cough. However, if your sore throat is a result of COVID-19, it might feel:

Dry
Painful when you swallow

Scratchy or itchy

If your sore throat is accompanied by a fever, headache, and a dry cough, you may want to take a test to rule out COVID.

What symptoms indicate that a sore throat requires medical attention?

A viral sore throat should start to show signs of improvement within five days. If you or your child has had a sore throat for longer than this time and are not responding to over-the-counter treatments, it can be a good idea to book an appointment with your doctor.

However, if your sore throat has persisted for a long time, seems too severe or you have other worrying symptoms, it may require urgent medical attention. Concerning symptoms that require immediate investigation include:

Blood in your saliva or phlegm
Dehydration
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Excessive drooling, especially in young children
Joint pain or swelling of the joints
A high fever (over 101 Fahrenheit)

Chills and body aches
A rash or hives on your body
Earache
Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks
Unexplained weight loss

Final thoughts

When it comes to any persistent or worsening symptoms, including a sore throat, it is always better to be safe than sorry and seek medical advice. If your sore throat is accompanied by any other worrying symptoms as detailed above, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

In most cases, your sore throat will go away on its own with time and rest or you may require antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.

Health

Navigating Senior Living: Strategies for Aging in Place

Published

2 weeks ago

04/05/2024

Andy

navigating-senior-living-strategies-for-aging-in-place

As we grow older, the concept of “home” often evolves into a sanctuary of comfort and familiarity. For seniors, the thought of leaving their cherished abode can be daunting.

However, aging in place doesn’t come without its challenges. From financial concerns to adapting to changing health needs, there are numerous considerations for seniors looking to maintain their independence at home.

In this guide, we explore various strategies, including the sale-leaseback option, to help seniors thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

1. Understanding the Challenges of Aging in Place

So, what does “how to age in place” mean, exactly? Aging in place offers numerous benefits, including maintaining independence, maintaining familiar surroundings, and staying connected with the local community.

However, it’s essential to recognize the challenges that come with this choice. Seniors may face physical limitations, safety concerns, and financial constraints as they age. Moreover, managing household tasks and accessing healthcare services can become increasingly difficult over time.

2. Assessing Financial Options: The Sale-Leaseback Approach

One innovative strategy for seniors to unlock the value of their home while continuing to reside in it is the sale-leaseback arrangement.

This approach involves selling the property to a buyer who then leases it back to the seller, allowing them to remain in their home while accessing the equity tied up in the property.

3. Benefits of Sale-Leaseback for Seniors

Sale-leaseback arrangements offer several advantages for aging seniors:

Financial Flexibility: By selling their home, seniors can access a lump sum of cash, which can be used to fund retirement, cover medical expenses, or make necessary home modifications to accommodate aging in place.
Stability: The leaseback component provides stability, allowing seniors to remain in a familiar environment without the stress of relocating to unfamiliar surroundings.
Predictable Expenses: With a fixed lease agreement, seniors can plan for their housing expenses, providing peace of mind and financial security.

4. Exploring Alternative Housing Options

In addition to sale-leaseback, seniors can explore various alternative housing options to support aging in place:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Building a smaller, secondary dwelling on the property can provide independent living space for seniors while maintaining proximity to family members for support.
Home Modifications: Adapting the home to meet changing needs, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, can enhance safety and accessibility for seniors.
Community Support Services: Accessing community-based services, such as meal delivery, transportation assistance, and in-home care, can help seniors to maintain their independence while living at home.

5. Planning for the Future

As seniors age, it’s crucial to plan for the future and anticipate changing needs. This may involve establishing advance directives, such as powers of attorney and healthcare proxies, to ensure that their wishes are respected in the event of incapacity.

Additionally, having open discussions with family members about long-term care preferences and financial arrangements can help seniors to make informed decisions about their living situation.

Conclusion

Aging in place presents seniors with the chance to uphold their independence and quality of life within the familiar confines of their homes.

Through avenues like sale-leaseback agreements and diverse housing solutions, seniors can address the complexities of aging while safeguarding their sense of self-reliance and respect.

By meticulously strategizing and receiving assistance from both family members and community services, seniors can flourish in their domestic settings throughout their later years.Top of Form

Health

Exploring an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult

Published

2 months ago

02/29/2024

Andy

exploring-an-autism-diagnosis-as-an-adult

Autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that are characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Embarking on the journey of exploring an autism diagnosis as an adult is a nuanced and introspective process.

Adults who are seeking answers to questions about their unique experiences may find themselves on a path that requires them to navigate societal misconceptions and the complexities of a healthcare system that’s often geared toward childhood diagnoses.

The Challenge of Late Recognition

One significant hurdle faced by adults seeking an autism diagnosis lies in the prevalent misconception that autism primarily manifests in childhood. This misconception often results in delayed recognition and diagnosis, contributing to a sense of isolation and misunderstanding among adults who are grappling with neurodivergent traits.

As adults navigate the intricate journey of exploring an autism diagnosis, they often encounter the initial step of taking an autism test online, This is a self-assessment tool that prompts them to reflect on their behavioral patterns and sensory experiences, contributing to the broader process of self-discovery and eventual professional evaluation.

Reflection and Self-Discovery: Unraveling the Past

The journey begins with a realization that their personal experiences and challenges may align with characteristics that are commonly associated with autism. This phase involves introspection, reflection on childhood memories, and the identification of behavioral and sensory patterns that may indicate their neurodivergence.

This process of self-awareness can be both enlightening and emotionally challenging, laying the groundwork for the exploration ahead.

Navigating the Healthcare System: Seeking Professional Guidance

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult necessitates navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system. Finding professionals who specialize in adult autism assessments becomes crucial.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, or neurologists with expertise in autism spectrum disorders can conduct comprehensive evaluations, considering various aspects of a person’s cognitive, social, and sensory functioning.

Beyond the Label: Embracing a Lifelong Journey

A diagnosis marks not the end but the beginning of a lifelong process of self-discovery and growth. Beyond confirming a label, the journey is about understanding oneself better, celebrating strengths, and developing coping strategies that are tailored to one’s unique neurodivergent profile.

It also opens doors to a supportive community, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the isolation that is often associated with late diagnoses.

Challenges and Advocacy: Shaping Societal Perspectives

The journey to a diagnosis of autism is not without its challenges. Skepticism, misunderstanding, or resistance may come from various spheres, including friends, family, or colleagues. Advocacy and education become integral, as people learn to communicate their needs effectively and foster understanding and acceptance within their social circles.

Conclusion: Redefining Perspectives on Autism

In conclusion, exploring an autism diagnosis as an adult is a multifaceted journey that transcends a mere label. It involves self-discovery, acceptance, and advocacy, contributing to a broader understanding of autism.

As more adults courageously embark on this path, it helps to break down barriers and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone, embracing the diversity of cognitive styles in the neurodivergent community.