Everyday we see research that shows exercise is the best medicine to prevent and treat many of the lifestyle diseases that plague our population. However, many people are not sure what to do in the gym and they are rightfully concerned about getting injured. Exercise is powerful medicine but proper dosage and use is critical to avoid problems and assure success. 

At Phase IV we evaluate every exercise in a risk-benefit analysis. If the potential of injury is greater than the benefit, or if the same result can be attained with a safer move, the exercise is not prescribed. In this new weekly column we will address one dangerous exercise each week.

The squat is a functional movement that everyone should master to develop and maintain flexibility and joint stability throughout the hips, pelvis and lower extremities. In everyday activities the squatting motion allows us get low to the ground while avoiding wear and tear on the spine associated with bending improperly at the waist. Squatting is a multi-joint movement that, with body weight alone, strengthens the gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors and calves. It works the core muscles including the abdominals and erector spinae muscles of the back.