Thursday, February 26, 2009

Squats vs. Push-ups

While watching the Biggest Loser last night, they had a quiz about health from Prevention Magazine. One of the questions was: which exercise will help you most in the long run...squats or push-ups?

I have to say that I was mildly surprised by the answer, but after I thought about it for a while, it makes total sense. Squats work on your lower body creating better balance and a stronger stance lessing the chance for falls later in life which result in broken hips. I am happy to report that I will never do another push-up in my life!! From now it's only squats for me.

Well now that's probably not the best answer either. I'm thinking that both exercises are very important to an exercise routine even though I would dread both.

Last week, I started working out with weights. My boys are enjoying watching me grunt and moan while lifting measly amounts with dumbbells. I'll keep working on it.

8 comments:

kborn said...

Ha ha...so you've been lifting the kids, then?
I walk with 3 or 5# dumbells...when I don't, the walk seems so much easier! I guess it's my version of the eliptical? I don't know. And I don't really walk as often as I should..
keep it up!!

Losinthisdangfat said...

I think both are a great exercise, but I would think that squats are the best. My kids like to watch me workout too, and when I get down to do a push ups they alwats get on myback! THe little stinkers! :)

Anonymous said...

Lifting weight is great! It really helps me & I think that's one of the reasons that my weight has been stalled. Yesterday, while delivering papers, one of my customers came out & yelled "You've lost weight!" I haven't recently, but my body is changing & I think a lot of it is due to the weights.

Just wanted to say 'hi'. Baby boy is 8 months already???? Wow!
D

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words

Kathy said...

You are such a hoot!

new*me said...

hurray for you with the weights!!

I did some squats today with my push-ups after watching last night ;)

Becky Fyfe said...

I like it when my todders try to mimic my exercise moves. They get it completely wrong, making me laugh every time. :)

Anonymous said...

Yeah.. Squats are better. I think I might put lunges higher than squats. And pushups are still a great full-body workout.

Do them all.. in fact a couple of my goals for this year are to

-squat my body weight without killing my back.
-do 57 pushups with elevated feet.

Good on ya for starting the weight training. Remember good form is more important than heavy weight. And laughing is always a key to a great workout as far I'm concerned.