This February, Laura is taking on the Cancer Research UK Squat Challenge, committing to 100 squats every single day for the whole month to raise money for an incredible cause.
It is a big challenge, and one that is very close to her heart.
Why Squats?
Squats are a brilliant functional exercise. They help strengthen your gluteal and quadriceps muscles, which are essential for everyday activities like:
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Getting up from a chair
• Running and sport
Strong glutes and thighs support healthy movement and help protect your joints.
Squats and Rehabilitation
Squats are commonly prescribed by physiotherapists to help manage and rehabilitate a number of conditions, including:
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Runner’s knee
• Patellofemoral pain
• Lateral hip pain
Research has also shown that people with low back pain often have weaker gluteal muscles, so improving strength and movement control can make a real difference.
Marathon Training and Niggles?
With the Manchester and London Marathons approaching, training mileage is increasing for many runners.
If you have started to notice niggles on the outside of your knee, thigh or hip, it may be that working on squat technique and alignment could support your rehabilitation and enhance your performance.
Developing strength with good movement control helps encourage optimal alignment, which can improve stride length and speed, while helping you stay pain-free.
Watch Laura in Action
Click on the video to see Laura performing squats as part of her challenge, including helpful hints and tips on how to perform a squat correctly.
And for those of you who attend Laura’s Pilates classes… You have been warned. Squats may well be appearing in the class plan this month!
Support Laura’s Fundraiser
If you would like to support Laura and donate to Cancer Research UK, you can do so here:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lauras-giving-page-19075276
Thank you so much for your support. It really does make a difference.
