This New Device Turns Squats Into Games—And I Played for So Long I Had To Walk Down Stairs Sideway

For me personally, it has always been a mystery that although I am very serious and disciplined with my race training and to know squats would increase my training and improve my performanceI just can’t do them regularly.

I could try a set or two once or twice a month, but that’s really not going to be anywhere near the training stimulus my legs and glutes need to make real improvements in strength. Despite knowing the benefits, how to do them, and what would make me a better runner, I just have an overwhelming lack of motivation.

So I was excited to hear about the Stealth Squat Trainer and App. Stealth Squat gamifies squat workouts, making it that much more fun to fit into your regular routine. I decided to give it a whirl and see if it would make a difference.

What is the Stealth Squat?

Like a TRX or other suspension trainers, the Stealth Squat Trainer hangs from suspension straps attached to a door anchor. There are two handles that grip on each side, like an elongated steering wheel.

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The length of the strap can be adjusted based on the height and configuration of the door, and the ergonomic plastic part that it holds rotates 360 degrees, which is part of the challenge of the exercise. A phone holder in the center adjusts to hold any smartphone, which you use to play games in the connected app.

How does it work

To use the Stealth Squat, grab the handles and then squat down, sitting your hips back as you bend your knees and hips as you normally would with a squat. I have been a certified personal trainer for 13 years and have found that training beginners to learn proper squat technique If you’ve never squatted before, or worse, you’ve squatted but don’t know how to do it correctly, it can be difficult. Many people squat forward, allowing their knees to extend well past their toes, which can put knee strain and doesn’t really use the glutes, hamstrings, and quads effectively.

This is where the Stealth Squat really shines. Because you’re tied to the gate, to really take over and use the trainer, you pretty much I have to Sit your hips back and squat correctly, making the movement safer on your knees and more effective overall.

Plus, because you have to hold the device with tension, you also end up working your shoulders and arms, which a normal bodyweight squat doesn’t. In this way, it makes squats more of a total body workout. I really felt the exercise in my shoulders and lats (back muscles) the first few days I started using it.

The Stealth Squat in action

The Stealth Fitness app has instructions on how to use the Stealth Squat and has two games you can play with the trainer: Squat Runner and Skate Chaser. Both are video games where you control an avatar and avoid obstacles by doing full squats, squat pulses, or core twist squats, while trying to capture diamonds or other points.

I loved the games, particularly Squat Runner. The graphics are great and they did the squats. road more enjoyable to do. In fact, I had so much fun playing the first day that the next morning I was so sore I had to go down the stairs sideways. (For the record, I don’t recommend playing for 12 minutes on the first day if you never squat!)

The app keeps track of your high scores and you can set it to remind you every day to do your workout.

There are also basic games, which I tried, not realizing that you need a separate team for them. I tried placing the squat trainer on the floor, but it didn’t really work. It is a pity that the same unit cannot be used for both.

In fact, my only complaint with the Stealth Squat is that it’s only useful for squats. While squats are a very effective exercise, I would love to be able to use the equipment for other exercises so that I don’t have to shop and have room for various products.

That being said, the Stealth Squat more than delivers on its promise to make squats more fun. Also, a big benefit is that the design also makes it much easier and more natural to correctly execute the squats, making it a safe and effective training tool, especially for beginners.

Whether you’re like me and have a hard time pulling off squats, or aren’t really sure if you’re doing them right, the Stealth Squat is worth a try. Your buttocks and legs will reward you for your effort!