Do you squat?
Many people do it as part of a strength regimen, but how many people just squat to simply do that?
Squatting was something that was very common in our species thousands of years ago. In Western societies, toilets have replaced holes, thus eliminating as much need for squatting. In Eastern countries, squatting is still very common.
The position of squatting is something innately ingrained in us as infants. Babies will typically get into this position to rest.
As we age, this position becomes less and less common. We tend to sit in chairs instead of squatting. This might be because of our tendency to look at squatting and think it looks immature or childish.
However, there’s nothing childish about the benefits that can be gained by squatting.
The position is a much more natural way to remove waste from our bodies, as well as deliver babies.
By avoiding this position, we don’t get proper motion in the hip or knee joints. Without proper motion, the joints will stop producing as much synovial fluid and become much more difficult to move.
After all, if you don’t move it, you lose it.
This philosophy is true when applied our body’s muscular and structural systems.
As a chiropractor, squatting opens up the hips and pelvis and allows better range of motion in the area. This allows for better blood flow and nervous system energy.
Many people use walking as their major form of exercise. The problem with this is they never get proper motion in the joints of the hip or knee. Walking just doesn’t provide enough movement to keep these joints healthy. Over time these joints will degenerate.
By squatting we increase motion in the hip and knees which can reduce pain and discomfort and increase strength and flexibility.
If you’re not squatting now, start off slow and build your way up. No need to use weight now. Simply squat as an infant would. And pay attention to the results that you feel.
Stay healthy friends.