Actress Chae Jung-an (48) recently showcased the importance of self-care by exercising even during her travels. She posted several photos on her social media with the caption, "When you travel with a friend who's a fitness pro, you gotta work out hard before you eat." In the photos, Chae Jung-an is impressively seen hitting the gym to do squat exercises while on her trip. Her perfect form and toned, lean physique are positively inspiring many.

Why She Doesn't Skip Workouts, Even on Vacation

What's the reason behind Chae Jung-an's dedication to exercise, even while traveling? Many people find their usual routines disrupted when they go on trips, but she demonstrates the value she places on self-management even in such situations. In particular, squats are known as an effective full-body muscle-building exercise, beneficial even for middle-aged and older adults.

The Many Benefits of Squats

Squats are a prime exercise that simultaneously trains the lower body, glutes, and core muscles. They are particularly recommended for middle-aged and older individuals as they help maintain lower body muscle mass, which tends to decrease with age. Here are some of the various benefits you can gain from doing squats:

• Muscle Mass Maintenance: Effectively stimulates the large muscles of the lower body to help maintain muscle mass.
• Increased Basal Metabolic Rate: Helps with weight management by boosting calorie expenditure.
• Improved Hip Line: Strengthens the gluteal muscles, leading to a more sculpted hip line.
• Enhanced Daily Movement: Makes everyday activities like climbing stairs or walking much easier.

Proper Squat Form

Maintaining correct form is crucial when performing squats. Try doing squats using the following method:

• Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward.
• Keep your gaze straight ahead, chest up, and back straight.
• Slowly lower yourself as if sitting back into a chair, pushing your hips backward.
• Your knees should align with your toes, and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
• Push through the entire sole of your foot to slowly stand back up.

Squats with a Kettlebell

Chae Jung-an is holding a small kettlebell in her hands while doing squats. Using a kettlebell like this can enhance the effectiveness of your workout. Specifically, holding a kettlebell with both hands at chest level while squatting shifts your center of gravity forward, making it easier to keep your torso upright, which helps beginners maintain proper form. However, increasing the weight too much raises the risk of injury, so it's best to start with a lighter weight, around 4-8kg for women, when you're beginning.

Chae Jung-an's commitment to maintaining her health by not skipping workouts, even during travel, serves as a great example for many. How about you try maintaining a healthy physique through squat exercises?