22Nov

Benefits of Wall Sits

In-Shape | 22 Nov, 2022 | Wellness Tips & Trends | Return|

They say sitting is the new smoking, but for the sake of your health, we actually want you to take a seat—against your wall! Wall sits work your entire lower body: you’ll feel this move in your hamstrings, quads and glutes. Engage your core to help strengthen your abs, too.

This exercise is about building strength and muscle endurance, and you’ll find that the more often you do it, the longer you can stay in this position. Increasing strength and endurance in your lower body will help you run faster, climb the stairs more easily, squat more weight and jump higher.

Some studies also suggest that doing isometric exercises—that is, exercises where you hold a position rather than moving (think planks, tree pose or wall sits)—improve joint stability and may even lower blood pressure. So, don’t you think it’s time to give wall sits a try?

You can even complete this exercise while watching TV, scrolling through Insta, listening to a podcast or talking on the phone with a friend.

To do a wall sit, lean your back flat against a wall with your feet planted firmly on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle, so your thighs are parallel with the ground. Your weight should rest in your heels, not your toes.

If this isn’t enough of a challenge, you can hold a weight while you complete the exercise—or just hold it for longer!

About the Author

Related

Strength Training Can Help Improve Sleep

Strength Training Can Help Improve Sleep

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of not being able to sleep, then feeling groggy the next day...

Read More >
Can Strength Training Boost Your Metabolism?

Can Strength Training Boost Your Metabolism?

If you’re working toward a weight loss goal, you may have been told you should focus on doing ALL C...

Read More >
Healthy Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Healthy Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth—and by that we mean, if you’ve ever dreamed of eating an ent...

Read More >
7 Benefits of Jumping Rope

7 Benefits of Jumping Rope

Jumping rope isn’t just for kids on the blacktop or boxers at the ring! It offers some serious bene...

Read More >
Are Plant-Based Meats Healthier than Regular Meat?

Are Plant-Based Meats Healthier than Regular Meat?

You’ve probably seen advertisements from fast food chains now offering plant-based options like The...

Read More >
10-Minute Lower Body Workout

10-Minute Lower Body Workout

It’s leg day! Remember, even when you’re short on time, there’s a workout for you. Short workouts...

Read More >