One of the most commonly asked questions in physical training is: "how do i get bigger?". And a most common and logical answer is: "squat".
Indeed the squat is a great exercise. Utilized by many great athletes and bodybuilders to build phenomenal strength and size.
So should you squat?
If only things were so simple.
Let's have a look at Circular Strength Training's fitness value hierarchy:
1) Health
2) Mobility
3) Function
4) Attributes
5) Physique
Let's see how this apply to the squat:
If you have have creaky joints, especially the hip, knee and ankle (Health), it is going to affect your mobility (Mobility).
If you don't have full mobility in the hip, knee and ankle (Mobility), it is going to affect your ability to squat (Function).
If you can't squat properly without weight (Function), it is going to affect your improvement in strength (Attributes) through doing the squats with weights.
If you can't build reasonable strength (Attributes) in the squat, it is going to affect your ability to build muscle (Physique).
Of course this explanation is very simplistic. But i think it is sufficient to bring across the point that you really do need to build all these fitness goals in order. Many people have injured themselves during training because they have not addressed a goal higher in the hierarchy.
