Regular readers know I don’t like doing squats. But that’s before I squat. After I squat, I’m always happy I did. In fact, due to yesterday’s squat workout my legs are sore this morning, and I’m sure will be even more sore tomorrow. Yes, I do think the PPNP Novice program had me squatting so much it 1. jacked my squat over 100# in 2 months, which is awesome, 2. overloaded my system so much I was worn out and came to hate squatting.

But I’m coming back around. I guess time and distance away is making the heart grow fonder. 😉

Like soup, squatting is good for you. There’s nothing else that will do for you what squatting will do.

“There is simply no other exercise (and certainly no machine) that produces the level of central nervous system activity, improved balance and coordination, skeletal loading and bone density enhancement, muscular stimulation and growth, connective tissue stress and strength, psychological demand and toughness, and overall systemic conditioning than the correctly performed full squat.” –Mark Rippetoe

And so like it or not, I keep squatting. I work to overcome my dislikes and fears, because the only way to really make your fear go away is to face it, permit it to pass over me and through me.

So why should you squat? Here’s 50 reasons from guys that know.

(aside: the article is titled 100 reasons, but it only contains 50… can’t do math unless it’s in increments of 45?) 😉

Of all the quotes, I think this is the best:

“Very few movements require the same degree of dedication, desire and determination as heavy squats. Squats are more than a physical strength builder and may be the only movement that builds a person’s character. Life is about standing up AFTER a heavy load takes you down.” – Dave Tate

Emphasis mine.