The 20-Rep Squat Challenge

The 20-Rep Squat Challenge

What is the 20 Rep Squat Challenge?

The 20-rep squat challenge is a unique squat challenge which can be used by:

• People who want to improve their overall health and fitness.
• Athletes wanting more power and strength.
• Bodybuilders who desire huge quads
• Women who want to tone and sculpt their hips, butts and thighs.
• Those interested in better health and lung power.

Who is the Squat Challenge for?

Men, women, beginners and advanced…anyone can benefit from this workout.

First, a few potent words about the squat from the late Dr Fred Hatfield Ph.D., one of the first men in history to squat over 1,000 pounds…

‘The squat more than any other movement has been misunderstood, performed improperly and surrounded by the most incredible old wives’ tales possible’.

Next, let’s clear up any misunderstanding.

Squats and the Heart.

First of all, a healthy heart will not be damaged by heavy squatting.

However, if you suffer from heart problems, high blood pressure or angina, then heavy squats (or heavy exercise of any kind), could precipitate problems.

Squats and the Knees.

Some of us have weaker ligaments and knee joints than others and I am no exception. I suffer with excessive lateral movement of my knee joints indicating weak ligaments.

Therefore, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that monster squats subject the knees to a great deal of strain.

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How to Avoid Knee Problems.

First, warm up with thigh extensions, free squats and two sets of warm up squats, the second being a weight acclimation set.

The goal is not to fatigue the muscle but get blood in the area. Therefore, the acclimation set will prepare the body for the heavier poundage.

Squat down until the thighs are parallel to the floor. Some prefer going all the way down but I know from personal experience that this puts my knees (and lower back) in a compromising position.

The key is to lower the bar slowly and never bounce out of the low position. Do not use momentum to lift weight.

Speed and Flexibility.

The 20- rep squat challenge will not slow you down. Ask any Olympic sprinter. Squats are a staple of their routine.

Neither will they make you ‘musclebound’. However, we’re only good at what we practice. So, don’t neglect to stretch your thigh muscles to maintain and develop your flexibility.

Related content:

Squats and Butt Size.

Squats are great for a pert bum!

However, heavy, flat-footed squats, leaning forward excessively, may build unattractive muscle on the upper glute area.

But avoid squats altogether and your buns will be flat and have no appealing roundness.

In conclusion: keep an eye on proportion and course correct if necessary.

The 20-Rep Squat Routine.

Now there’s a few variations on the internet as to how to perform the 20-rep squat. I’m including what I believe the original. It’s my favourite and I love it!

1. Warm up (never skimp on this!)
2. Start with a weight that allows you to comfortably perform 10 repetitions.
3. Perform your first rep.
4. Take one deep breath.
5. Perform rep number two.
6. Take two deep breaths.
7. Perform the third rep.
8. Take 3 full breaths.

You get the idea.

Now, you don’t have to match the number of breaths and reps exactly. For myself, I found the sweet spot around 5 or 6 deep breaths.

Any more, and I became light headed and couldn’t finish the set owing to the crushing weight on my traps.

Benefits of the 20-Rep Squat Challenge.

If you want big thighs, this is your go-to exercise! The 20-rep squat is also a prodigious all-round health builder.

It’s great for:

• Heart health.
• Calorie burning.
• Increasing your resting metabolic rate.
• Releasing endorphins.
• Energy levels.
• Melting fat.
• Healthy mind and spirit.
• Saving time – one set, once per week is all you’ll need! (if done correctly).

Historically, this squat workout was also known as the ‘20-rep breathing squat’. It was traditionally followed by a set of light breathing pullovers to expand the rib cage. A word about pullovers…

Don’t do them!

Never try and develop your rib cage unless you’re built like a dormouse! Keep the bottom of your rib cage tight, not pushed out artificially with pullovers.

Expanding your rib cage will only serve to make you look fat in your normal clothes. Size-at-all-costs is not the goal. But designing a proportional, aesthetic physique is.

Toned Thighs, Curvaceous Hips and a Butt that Won’t Quit!

Remember ladies, the 20-rep squat is great for shaping. Naturally lower testosterone levels will avoid any noticeable bulk. But what will be huge, are the countless health benefits of pushing your body and mind.

Final Thoughts:

Original article and pictures take xukkhini.com site