Are Banded Squats More Effective Than Regular Squats?

Squats are an effective exercise for working your core, glutes, and lower body, but only if you have proper form. According to Insider, squats have several benefits, including helping you lose weight, strengthening your lower body and core, and reducing your risk of injury. 

If you're doing squats regularly and now find them too easy, though, you might want to add some difficulty. Thankfully, it's easy to do — just add a looped resistance band. Banded squats work your muscles harder than regular squats and help you keep better form. Having the band makes you think about the position of your legs and reduces the chance that you'll let your knees buckle, a common squat mistake according to Men's Health. 

Maintain proper form throughout the exercise to avoid injury and make sure you're getting the most out of your banded squats. If the looped band causes you to buckle your knees, switch to a lighter band. Healthline recommends keeping your back straight, core engaged, and weight centered. 

You can add the looped band to your upper thighs or just below your knees. To do a standard banded squat, place the looped mini-band just above your knees. Start with your feet hip-width apart and step each foot out about a half a step with your toes pointed slightly outward. Clasp your hands in front of your chest or keep them on your hips. Bend your knees and lower yourself into the squat until you're in a sitting position and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Hold for three seconds, and then slowly bring yourself back up to standing. The pause and slow rise will work your glutes better than just coming right back up and moving too quickly. Take your time to do it right, and you'll see the benefits. Healthline recommends trying for eight to 12 reps.

Switch it up and place the band around your calves to work your lower leg muscles while doing your banded squats. Enjoy taking your squats to the next level.