Squats are a functional lower-body strength exercise. They simulate everyday activities, such as picking a box up off the floor. The body weight squat is the most basic, beginner squat; you only use your body weight for resistance. As you grow...
Squats have earned a bad reputation for hurting the knees, however, the problem usually isn’t the squat itself but rather the exerciser who does the squat in an improper way. Using weights that are too heavy, not paying attention to form and...
The squat exercise strengthens your entire lower extremity and the muscles in your trunk and spine. It also is a fundamental movement in human performance and sports, such as in martial arts, gymnastics and a catcher’s position in baseball....
Along with strengthening your lower body for sports and general fitness, squats help you move through everyday activities. Picking up something from the floor, lifting heavy boxes and even sitting in a chair all require movements that are executed...
The deadlift squat is commonly just referred to as a deadlift. In powerlifting routines, the deadlift is a staple because of the activation it creates in the body. Because you incorporate your knees, hips and ankles all at the same time, multiple...
Dumbbells and kettlebells are similar pieces of exercise equipment; they are both held in one hand and are both used in resistance training. Their differences in balance, structure and load make each more appropriate for different kinds of...
A front squat to press allows you to work your legs, shoulders and arms with one exercise. While traditionally done with a barbell, you can do this exercise with dumbbells with only minor adjustments. While the weight of your front squat will be...
The squat is sometimes called the king of weightlifting exercises, and with good reason. The massive quadriceps are the prime movers, and the rest of the leg also gets into the act. The core stabilizes the body and gets a workout as well. Although...
Squat exercises work your entire lower body, including the muscles of your buttocks, hips and thighs. When you add weight to the squat movement in the form of dumbbells, you increase the difficulty (and effectiveness) of the movement with the...
Squats are a series of exercises that train the muscles of the thighs, legs, buttocks and hips, as well as hamstrings. They are considered vital exercises to strengthen and build up the size of muscles on the legs and thighs. Beginners may opt not...
Your core muscles--which are mostly comprised of your abs and torso muscles but also includes the muscles in the lower back--are a critical set of muscles used every day, whether you are competing in athletics or even trying to sit or stand. The...
Dumbbells are great tools for weight-loss workouts. You can do exercises for every body part and move quickly from one exercise to another. Not only can dumbbells be used in a gym, but you can also use them at home for a fairly inexpensive...
A firm, toned butt can go a long way in improving your appearance and self-confidence. The gluteal muscles in the buttocks are used every day when you walk and move around, so a little extra work can tone them rather easily, according to Lakey...
When you are slouching in a chair and consciously sit up straighter -- that's your erector spinae muscles at work. Attached at the ribs and the spinal processes, these muscles run up both sides of your spine and are responsible for keeping it in...
With a set of adjustable dumbbells and a bench or stability ball, performing bodybuilding exercises at home is an achievable feat. Each of the exercises should be executed three times with a resistance that allows you to perform 8 to 12...
The area behind your thighs, called the hamstrings, is a spot that many people have trouble keeping tight and toned. If you have excess fat on the back of your thighs, it is wise to reduce your calories and start performing cardio exercises like...
Many fitness enthusiasts agree that building muscle is a challenging aspect of gaining fitness, because it involves many factors. However, by exercising your muscles against resistance, resting your muscles and eating a healthy diet with adequate...
A bigger butt was once a taboo subject, but it has become fashionable to sport a robust booty. For those who have a slim bum, it can be frustrating trying to fill out a new pair of jeans. If you fall into this category--whether male or female--you...
Dumbbells provide an inexpensive, effective way to strength train, while also offering flexibility in your workout. While using dumbbells, you can easily increase or decrease the weight you're lifting and also adjust the range of motion of the...
Maybe you've been using dumbbells in your routine for so long that you're simply looking for a change, or maybe you don't always have access to dumbbells when it's time to work out. Whatever the reason for wanting to replace your dumbbells, there...
The butt is made up of three major muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle and a major extensor of the thigh while the gluteus medius and minimus work to abduct and medially...
Strength training isn't just for athletes or bodybuilders. Seniors and older adults should engage in regular exercise that includes strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Even people who are frail or suffering from age-related diseases may...
A strong back and legs are useful for everyday activities such as lifting objects and walking stairs as well as engaging in sports and other physical activities. Strengthening the muscles of the lower back and core will also reduce the occurance...
Bodybuilders do strength training for hypertrophy, which is the term used to describe the goal for increasing the size of muscle tissue, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). More muscle tissue means bigger, bulkier muscles....
The hips and thighs contain several large muscles in the lower body, such as the glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. When these areas are excessively lean, you are not in physical danger, but you might feel self-conscious. Boosting your size will...
Carrying extra weight in the waist area is detrimental to your health because of its proximity to the major organs. Losing this weight while maintaining your hips and butt takes a little precision. Exercise plays a major role, but you also have to...
Achieving a flat stomach, a big butt and toned arms takes the right blend of dietary adjustments and exercise. Any time you lose weight from your stomach, you improve your well-being. The Harvard Medical School Claims that excess belly fat can...
You can develop tree trunk legs by performing compound, heavy free weight movements with dumbbells. Compound free weight movements recruit multiple muscle groups, providing your legs with a comprehensive muscle-building workout. Using free weights...
While cellulite is not a medical concern, Mayo Clinic reports that the presence of dimply skin in the butt, thighs or legs makes women feel self-conscious. Cellulite is caused by fat cells that push up through the surface of the skin. According to...
