Power up your workout: The amazing benefits of sumo squats

Forget dainty tiptoes and narrow stances. Enter the sumo squat, the lower-body compound exercise boss that’s sculpting physiques and can shake up your workout routine. This wide-legged wonder isn’t just about bulging thighs and an Instagrammable booty (although, yes, it delivers on both). 

Sumo squats pack a hidden punch, unleashing a treasure trove of benefits that extend far beyond the mirror. This variation of the traditional squat can be done with just your body weight, dumbbells, barbells and Smith machine. 

What are sumo squats?

Imagine a sumo wrestler preparing for a face-off, feet wide apart and toes turned out. That’s the essence of a sumo squat! It’s a lower-body exercise that targets different muscle groups than a regular squat, thanks to its wider stance and foot position.

Benefits of sumo squats

Are you curious about what this squat sensation hides beneath its sumo swagger? Buckle up. We’re about to uncover the secrets of one of the most underrated leg workout on the planet. 

Activate your glutes and inner thighs: Say hello to a sculpted booty and toned inner thighs. The sumo squat’s wide stance activates your glutes and adductors (inner thigh muscles) to a greater degree than regular squats. This is your key to a rounder, perkier rear and strong, sleek inner legs.

Power up your lower body muscles: Sumo squats aren’t just about looks; they’re powerhouse moves. They engage your quads, hamstrings and calves, building lower body strength and stability. This translates to better athletic performance in other exercises, sports and even everyday activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries.

Mobility magic: The sumo squat’s wide stance opens up your hips and improves hip mobility. This can help prevent injuries, enhance your posture, and even improve your flexibility for other exercises like lunges or kicks.

Core connection: Don’t underestimate the core’s role in a sumo squat. Maintaining proper squat form requires core engagement, strengthening your core muscles and improving your overall stability and balance.

Burn, baby, burn: Sumo squats are calorie-torching exercises. Their compound nature, engaging multiple muscle groups, means you’ll burn more calories compared to isolation exercises. So, if you want to boost your metabolism, sumo squats should be a part of leg day.

Squat variations: Are you tired of the same old squats? Sumo squats add a fun twist to your workout routine: bodyweight sumo squats, dumbbell sumo squat or barbell sumo squat.

Sumo squats

• Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out about 45 degrees.
• Keep your back straight and core engaged.
• Squat down, pushing your hips back and bending your knees until your thighs are almost parallel to the ground.
• Push through your heels to return to the starting position.