Why You Should Squat Often

Modern culture revolves around sitting when we’re working and even when we’re travelling. A study from 2023 found that people sit over 10 hours a day. While sitting in itself is not good, because our bodies and minds are meant to be in motion during the day, the way that we sit is also a problem. Chairs keep us from going all the way down into a squatting position, which is one of the main ways that our bodies are anatomically designed to sit.

This also keeps us from being forced to lift our bodies from the squatting position, which robs us of the opportunity to regularly use the largest muscles in the body through the whole day. Today, most people hardly ever squat, because it’s simply not necessary. And the few people that do squat, only do so when they go to the gym.

In Okinawa, Japan, which is a Blue Zone with one the highest number of people that live to over 100 years of age, they found that one of their longevity secrets was sitting on the floor. This simple daily habit forced them to “get up from the floor dozens or hundreds of times per day.”

The squat is also a great way to stretch the muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments of the legs and pelvis. In fact, I’ve heard many people with lower back pain tell me that they only get relief by “going down on their haunches.” I also often recommend this position to my patients (if they are able to do so) to improve their recovery.

One reason that many people are not able to squat effectively is because of chronic subluxation patterns in the spine and pelvis, creating neurological and muscular imbalances. Therefore, learning to squat again may only be effective once you’re past the second (i.e. corrective) phase of chiropractic care. There are many instructional videos available (see image above), but I would recommend working with a professional, such as a qualified biokineticist, yoga, or Pilates instructor.

Is it really worth the effort? Definitely! I am quite sure you will agree once you can squat again. Remember to listen to your body and take it slowly. It will not only help you physically, but can also improve brain power, digestive function and help you to become more active again.

We are all born with the ability to squat before modern life gets in the way. You can learn to squat again and making this simple position a part of your daily lifestyle will make life easier and can even help you to live longer.

by SJ NANA, DC, DrNana.co.za

Please see my other articles related to this topic:

• Knee Problems? Try Chiropractic First

• Regular Walking Also Feeds the Brain

• How To Slow Down Height Loss

• The Most Important Exercise

• Chiropractic Improves Muscle Strength

• A Simple Mind-Body Exercise: Lunges

• Bulging Discs Can Heal Naturally

• A Strong Spine Begins With Strong Feet

• Why Pro Athletes Appreciate Chiropractic

• How To Avoid Becoming Chair-Shaped

• Why We Need To Carry & Move Objects

• Your Amazing Spinal Engine

• 18 Ways to Add Flow to Any Lifestyle

References:

• How much do you sit, stand, and move each day?

• Why the Okinawan Practice of Sitting On the Floor is Linked to Health, Mobility, and Longevity (& How You Can Practice It At Home)

• Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality

• Get up, stand up: Combatting “Sitting Disease”

• Hips don’t lie; what your ability to squat can say about your hip shapes

• How To Squat Properly? Squat Tips And Benefits (2024)

• Video: How to Squat Safely Without Pain (Ages 50+)

• Video: I Couldn’t SQUAT For Years...Until I Did This

• Sit All Day? Periodic Squatting Exercises May Help Preserve Your Brain Power