How can a deep squat resting position be a very difficult one for most people?

Because modern lifestyle gives very little or almost no opportunity to sit below chair level. On average, an adult spends 10+ hours sitting on a chair or a couch. This leads to loss of strength and mobility in the lower back and gluteal muscles, impacting a basic natural function – the squat.

Have you noticed kids in kindergarten who squat on the floor and play with their toys with great ease. At the beach, kids can dig sand and build sandcastles for hours in a squatting position. We start losing this ability as we grow and use the chair as a main tool for sitting. We train our muscles to become lazy and inefficient.

A flat-footed squat has several benefits: increased hip, knee and ankle mobility; reduced lumbar compression; better bowel elimination and stronger abdominal mucles. It is also used as a birth position to make labour easier and faster.

In many Asian countries, vegetable, fruits and flowers seller sits comfortably in a squatting position on the street.

To re-learn this basic movement, start by practising for just 5 minutes a day. You might need support initially if there is a lack of mobility and strength. Slowly build up by replacing sitting activities with squatting.

If you are standing or sitting now, just do some deep squat resting position!