Workout Challenge Of The Week: The Squat Pyramid

O.k. you guys, here is the deal, every other week we will have a workout challenge posted for you guys to do during the week. This way you can get some extra calorie burning exercise in! They will be simple challenges that you can incorporate into day, maybe even at work.

So, for this week I want you all to do squats.  This is perfect because you can do them anywhere, even at your desk! But here is the twist, you will need to pick a number (that has to be 15 reps or higher) and then every day you must complete 5 more squats for 7 days straight.  So, you start with 15, then tomorrow 20, then 25, and so on.

If you aren't sure how to do a squat or if your form is correct please refer back to the Move Of The Week: The Squat.


Good luck this week you guys and remember that we are always here to help out. :)
Committed to your health and fitness,
Justin and Angie LaPointe

Move Of The Week: The Squat!

This week we choose the squat to be our Move Of The Week. Why the Squat you ask?  Well, for starters it is one of the most functionally based movements that anyone can and should do. When you sit back to sit, stand up, pick things up from the floor, etc. are all moves that are done with doing a squat-like movement. In addition to it being functional, it is a great exercise to strengthen, lean, and tone your legs, as well as, tighten and strengthen your core (which are the abs and back muscles.)  

Now, with this move what is important is to get the form right. Start out by practicing this move with a chair behind you. First, your weight is in your heels, your core is tight (belly button pulled in towards the spine), head and chest are up, and slowly you begin to push hips back towards the chair. Once you reach the chair you can lightly tap it (don’t sit down on it unless you need to gain your balance, strength and to keep form) and then stand back up with the weight still in your heels. Then at the top push your hips forward a bit till you are straight.  With or without a bar on your back (beginners should not have a bar or weight at all) you can see what proper squat form looks like. The knees are at level with thighs creating a 90 degree angle, the chest and head are up and out, and the core is tight.

Once you have the form down, that is when you can start to experiment with it. As you advance and need to make it harder you can add weight, do speed squats, squat jumps, one legged squats, and the list can go on.

As always if you all ever have questions or thoughts just comment below, call, or email us and we will get back to you. Good luck with the squats! You all can do it!

Committed to your health and fitness,
Justin and Angie LaPointe