The sumo squat is a highly effective lower-body exercise that focuses on strengthening the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and inner thighs. As a variation of the traditional squat, the sumo squat involves a wider stance and a different foot position, which shifts the emphasis toward the inner thigh muscles, or adductors. This move is often included in leg day routines for people looking to improve flexibility, core stability, and overall lower-body strength.
What is a Sumo Squat?
The squat is named after the stance it takes inspiration from — the wide-legged posture of sumo wrestlers. Unlike the traditional squat where your feet are shoulder-width apart, the squat requires a much wider stance, with your feet pointing outward. This positioning shifts more of the load onto the inner thighs and glutes, making it an ideal exercise for targeting the lower body muscles that are often underdeveloped.
By adding sumo squats to your workout, you’ll not only increase strength but also improve mobility, flexibility, and balance.
Sumo Squat
Benefits of Sumo Squats
The sumo squat brings several benefits that make it a great addition to any lower body workout routine. Here are some key advantages:
Targeted Muscle Engagement
The sumo squat works a variety of muscles, including the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and the often-overlooked adductors (inner thighs). By using a wider stance, more emphasis is placed on the inner thighs and glutes compared to traditional squats.
Improved Hip Mobility
Performing the squat regularly can help improve your hip flexibility and mobility. The wider stance requires the hips to open more, which can contribute to better range of motion in the hips over time.
Strengthens the Core
Sumo squats also engage your core muscles, as you must keep your upper body stable while lowering and lifting the weight. This can lead to better posture and overall core strength.
Enhances Balance and Stability
Maintaining proper form in the squat requires balance and stability, especially when lifting heavier weights. This benefit extends to everyday activities, improving overall body coordination.
Sumo Squat
How to Perform a Sumo Squat Correctly
Mastering the correct form of the sumo squat is essential to maximize its benefits and avoid injury. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform the squat:
Starting Position
Stand with your feet set wider than shoulder-width apart, and your toes pointed outward at about a 45-degree angle. Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in front of your body with both hands (optional) or keep your arms at your sides.
Engage Your Core
Tighten your abdominal muscles to engage your core, keeping your chest lifted and back straight. Avoid rounding your shoulders or letting your upper body collapse forward.
Lower Into the Squat
Slowly bend your knees and lower your hips down, as if you’re sitting back into an invisible chair. Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes, and go down until your thighs are parallel with the ground or slightly lower, depending on your flexibility.
Press Back Up
Drive through your heels and press back up to the starting position, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Be sure to keep your knees soft and avoid locking them out.
Performing the sumo squat with proper form not only engages the right muscles but also helps prevent strain on your knees and lower back.
Sumo Squat
Variations of the Sumo Squat
Adding some variation to your sumo squat routine can keep your workouts fresh and challenge your muscles in different ways. Here are a few common variations:
Goblet Squat
Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell close to your chest with both hands as you perform the squat. This variation increases the load on your legs and core, intensifying the workout.
Sumo Squat Pulse
Instead of coming all the way back up after each rep, remain in the bottom squat position and pulse up and down in small movements. This keeps the tension on your muscles for longer, increasing endurance.
Squat with Resistance Band
Place a resistance band around your thighs just above your knees. The band adds extra tension, further engaging your glutes and inner thighs during the squat.
Incorporating Sumo Squats into Your Routine
The sumo squat can be included in your leg day or as part of a full-body workout. Because it targets multiple muscle groups, it’s an excellent addition to circuits or supersets with other lower body exercises like lunges, deadlifts, or step-ups.
For strength and muscle building, aim for 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps, using a weight that challenges you by the final rep. If you’re focusing on endurance or toning, you can increase the number of reps to 15–20 per set, or incorporate pulse variations to keep the muscles under tension.
Nutrition: Honey Meals for Post-Workout Recovery
After a grueling leg workout that includes squats, it’s crucial to refuel your body with proper nutrition. Honey can be an excellent addition to your post-workout meals because it provides natural carbohydrates that quickly replenish glycogen stores. Pairing honey with a source of protein, such as Greek yogurt or a protein shake, can help support muscle recovery and growth.workout
A simple honey-based recovery snack could include oats, a spoonful of honey, and almond butter, offering a combination of carbs, fats, and protein to fuel muscle repair and energy replenishment.
The sumo squat is a powerful and versatile exercise that targets the lower body muscles, especially the glutes and inner thighs. Its wide stance and muscle engagement make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance lower body strength, improve flexibility, and build muscle. By incorporating sumo squats into your workout routine and pairing them with proper nutrition, including honey meals, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals.