Do squats really help overall muscel growth?

Question

I was told by some people at the gym that by doing squats, hormones are realeased in the body that helps overall muscel growth. This sounded to good to be true to me but since more than one person told me about i was just wondering if it was true or if it was merely a myth.

Answer 1

yes it is true. as compared to any other exercise squats will produce the greatest increase in serum GH levels if your train at a high enough level of intensity. the squat involves the entire body so all muscles are stimulated. for maximum results you need to do multiple sets (4-6) at around 80% of the 7RM.

Answer 2

Squats, especially high rep intense breathing squats, have been shown to cause your body to release more testosterone, which in turn will pack on the muscle even on body parts you don't directly work. I've of guys who, because of time or circumstances, only did squats. What they found was that they developed more muscle everywhere - back, biceps etc, because squats may only work a few muscles, but they tax the whole system.
To do 20 rep breathing squats:
1 - take a weight you can do 10 steady reps with but the 10th is difficult.
2 - Tighten your muscles.
3 - Squat deep -make sure you watch your form, don't bounce, keep your body moving the way it naturally moves, so no weird angles.
4 - Do about 5 or until your breathing heavy, then stop and, with the bar still on your shoulders, let your breathing get back to normal, or as close as it will come.
5 - Repeat this until you get to 20 - by time you get to 12 or 15 you'll be doing 1 rep then breathing.

They are intense! But they also work. If you do very light pullovers immediately after finishing the set it will spread your ribcage and make you wider. Also I recommend stretching before and after, as it helps with the soreness.
These are very taxing on your system, so I only do them once or twice a week or else I run out of steam and usually get sick because I'm not allowing myself time to recover - which is when you grow.

Answer 3

Although programs that train the whole body are the best ways to stimulate muscle growth, there is quite a bit of truth to that statement.

Squats train the quadriceps, the hamstrings, the glutes, the spinal erectors and abs (stabilize the upper body), the deltoids, trapezius, and forearms (from holding the weight on your shoulders). In addition, they provide work for the serratus anterior.

Essentially, squats train more than half of the body's muscle mass in one exercise. Also, experiments have shown that the squat is one of the chief exercises for stimulating growth hormone release.

Here is sample workout that includes squats:
http://www.spartafit.com/exercise/exercise%20program%201.php

Answer 4

False. No not just be doing squats alone. But performing a good resistance training regimen (meaning whole body upper, lower, abdomin and back) will help in the body releasing hormones for muscle growth. Also supplementing your diet with either eating more protein or drinking protein shakes (preferably whey protein shakes) will increase muscle growth.

Answer 5

Yes, it is true but you still have to workout the other bodyparts to achieve the effects.

Squatting is considered one of the big three of weight lifting. Benching, deadlifts, and squats.

Answer 6

Yes. Dont forget deadlifts and power cleans...