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TRAINING

Build Strength with the 30-Day Squat Challenge

We've still got a month left of summer to go, which means more fresh air, sunshine, and fitness challenges. The latest? The famous 30-day squat challenge. A squat challenge is a great way to incorporate this staple move into your workout routine, enhance your form, and of course, grow your glutes.

But first, let's rewind and get into the actual benefits of squatting and how to properly perform this move.

Jump to:

The Benefits of Squats: Build Lower-Body Strength

man squatting with weight in a group

Squats are more than just a popular fitness challenge; they’re a fundamental movement with benefits that go well beyond aesthetics.

From building strength to supporting mobility, squatting is one of the most functional exercises you can include in your workout. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or a newcomer, you can benefit from incorporating squats into your routine.

The squat is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups. The three major ones are the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Squats can also work your calves, adductors (inner thighs), hip flexors, and core. Because squatting works multiple large muscle groups, you burn more calories performing this exercise. Additionally, squatting improves balance and coordination, helping reduce your risk of injury day to day.

The squat is a staple move for building lower-body strength, but squats also build functional strength by powering daily movements like going up the stairs or lifting a heavy box.

With so many benefits and uses, you really can't go wrong with incorporating some squats into your regimen.

How to Squat

woman squatting outdoors

Just like with any move, it's key to maintain proper form when performing a squat, especially if you're doing many sets in a row like in a squat challenge. Here's how to perform a basic squat:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with toes slightly turned outward. 
  • Tighten up your core to stabilize yourself, start to shift your weight back into your heels while pushing your hips behind you as you squat down. 
  • Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Your feet should remain flat on the ground and your knees should remain over your toes.
  • Keep your spine neutral, chest out, and push through the heel to return to the start position. Keep the core tight throughout for better technique.

The 30-Day Squat Challenge 

women squatting in a group fitness class

There are many different options for a 30-day squat challenge. For this one, we'll be gradually increasing the number of squats per day, while also incorporating different variations.

To complete this fitness challenge, simply do the required number of reps each day. If you can do all your squats for the day in one sitting, then more power to you. But if not, it's totally fine to break up your squats. Aim for sets of ten reps minimum and take a short rest period in between.

Squat your way through 30 days of variations, progress, and achievement. It won’t be easy, but think about how good you'll feel once you've made it to the finish line.

Plus, once you've done enough squats, incorporating them into your daily workouts will be second nature.

Day 

Exercises 

Day 1  50 squats 
Day 2  60 squats 
Day 3  70 squats 
Day 4  Rest 
Day 5  70 squats, 5 pulse squats 
Day 6  80 squats, 5 hold squats 
Day 7  85 squats, 5 squat jumps 
Day 8  Rest 
Day 9  100 squats, 5 power squats 
Day 10  85 squats, 5 squat jumps, 5 pulse squats 
Day 11  90 squats, 5 power squats, 5 hold squats 
Day 12  Rest 
Day 13  120 squats, 5 power squats, 5 pulse squats, 5 hold squats 
Day 14  100 squats, 10 squat jumps, 5 hold squats 
Day 15  110 squats, 5 squat jumps, 5 power squats, 5 pulse squats, 5 hold squats 
Day 16  Rest 
Day 17  130 squats, 10 squat jumps, 10 power squats 
Day 18  120 squats, 10 pulse squats, 10 power squats, 5 hold squats 
Day 19  130 squats, 10 hold squats, 10 squat jumps 
Day 20  Rest 
Day 21  150 squats, 10 squat jumps, 10 power squats 
Day 22  150 squats, 10 pulse squats, 10 hold squats 
Day 23  190 squats 
Day 24  Rest 
Day 25  160 squats, 10 squat jumps, 10 power squats, 10 pulse squats, 10 hold squats 
Day 26  225 squats 
Day 27  200 squats, 10 squat jumps, 20 power squats 
Day 28  Rest 
Day 29  200 squats (5 squat jumps, 5 power squats, 5 pulse squats, 5 hold squats. Rest for 1 minute and repeat x 3) 
Day 30  200 squats (10 squat jumps, 10 power squats, 5 pulse squats, 5 hold squats. Rest for 1 minute and repeat x 3) 

Squat Variations & Form

Unsure about the technique? Take a look below for a full breakdown of each variation listed.

1. Basic Squat 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with toes slightly turned outward. 
  • Tighten up your core to stabilize yourself, start to shift your weight back into your heels while pushing your hips behind you as you squat down. 
  • Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Your feet should remain flat on the ground and your knees should remain over your toes. 
  • Keep your spine neutral, chest out, and push through the heel to return to the start position. Keep the core tight. 

2. Pulse Squat 

  • Once in position based on the basic squat, drop into the deep squat position. 
  • Instead of returning to standing, hold a low squat and pulse, holding the correct form. 
  • Your pulse should rise and lower just a couple of inches to really feel the burn. 
  • When complete, return to standing and rest. 

3. Squat Jump 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, in a position that you would perform a normal jump. 
  • Tense the core and drop into the deep squat position. Weight on your heels. 
  • Power through the heel into a jump. 
  • Once you land, follow through back into the deep squat position. 
  • Repeat for the required number of reps, then rest. 

4. Power Squat 

  • Stand with your feet slightly beyond shoulder-width apart, toes forward, hands next to your sides.
  • Simultaneously, push your hips back and swing your arms backwards, lowering your body until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor.
  • Pause, then quickly push yourself back to the starting position, swinging your arms above your head and ending the movement on your toes. 

5. Hold Squat 

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, with toes slightly turned outward. 
  • Tighten up your core to stabilize yourself, start to shift your weight back into your heels while pushing your hips behind you as you squat down. 
  • Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor.  
  • Once at the bottom, hold for a count of 2 before pushing through the heel back to the start position. 
  • Repeat for the required number of reps. 

FAQs

Is a 30-day squat challenge effective?

Yes, this squat challenge is effective as long as you stay consistent. If you simply complete the challenge and then stop squatting entirely, you'll likely lose the muscle you gained. However, if you continue incorporating squats into your routine, you can maintain your progress and see lasting results.

What will happen if I do 100 squats every day for 30 days?

Luckily, Myprotein ambassador and YouTuber Stan Browney already tried this out, so you don't have to:

They Did 100 Squats Every Day for 30 Days, Here’s What Happened

If you think one leg day is bad enough, imagine doing 30 in a row...

What are the rules for the 30-day squat challenge?

The rules for the squat challenge are simple, just complete the required number of reps each day for 30 days.

The Goblet Squat Challenge

Want a partner squat challenge? We've got one more for you.

The Goblet Squat Challenge is the latest fitness challenge on social media, where you and a partner perform goblet squats. Here's how it works. This challenge involves squatting with a weight, so begin by grabbing a suitable dumbbell. Begin with five reps, and once you complete them, you hold your squat to allow your partner to perform their reps.

The challenge involves holding your squat while your partner is actively squatting, and vice versa. You begin with 5 reps and count down as follows: 5 reps, hold, 4 reps, hold, 3 reps, hold, 2 reps, hold, and one rep.

The Goblet Squat Challenge is a fun way to practice your squats and improve muscular endurance. Get a partner and try it out for yourself.

See how to perfect your goblet squat form here:

How to do the Goblet Squat | Technique, Form and Common Mistakes

Activate your glutes and quads with this squat variation.

Take Home Message 

There you have it, the 30-day squat challenge is tough, but one that will provide results and a sense of achievement. Track your progress and even measure your legs before and after. And if you're in the mood for a short and sweet fitness challenge, try your hand at the Goblet Squat Challenge.
Want more on squats?

Read these next:

Don’t Queue For The Squat Rack | 3 Barbell Squat Alternatives

Don't skip leg day because you can't get a squat rack — try these alternatives instead.

04/15/2021 By Isaac Syred
Chris Appleton
Chris Appleton Writer and expert

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