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The forgotten art of squatting is a revelation for bodies ruined by sitting (qz.com)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/science@lemmy.world
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[–] 4 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I simply don’t have the hamstring length to squat with my feet flat. No, I don’t just need to stretch, or try more often. I wish I could add squatting to my repertoire - it would be so useful when doing physical work for example, like bike maintenance. Instead, I carry around a stool.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Open your legs more maybe?

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    Are you able to reach the same position when lying on your back?

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    So: I can squat flat-footed IF my back is up against a wall. I guess the main problem is that my center of gravity is just too far back for me to do it freestanding. I tip over backyard.

    When I lay on my back and try bringing my knees in, I can’t really tell if I’m achieving the right position to have my center of gravity where it needs to be.

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    Ah, you probably just need to shift your weight on your feet and balance. Like a slav squat (track suit and cheap liquor optional).

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DMyQA5NymdK/

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Yeah, just can’t do it. Even with my arms extended all the way straight forward, I’m still tipping over backward. My ankles just won’t close to a tight enough angle.

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    How about doing a squat with your heels up? And/or while grabbing something stable in front of you to keep from falling over backwards?

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    I can squat on the balls of my feet with my heels up but that is a very different posture requiring a lot of active balancing, so it doesn’t afford the benefits of a flat foot squat. It is also less stable and fairly punishing on the balls of the feet. At that point I’d rather just kneel.

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  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Active balancing is good for the brain. One could still use a hand on a post, counter, chair or some such to facilitate balance training. There are foam pads, which when you stand on them don't allow a firm balance point, it's a part of rehab for all sorts of things. And after using them, one's balance improves. Here's a review of them: https://activesilvers.com/best-foam-balance-pads-for-stability-training/

    There's lots of other ways to train, of course. And the choice, as always, is up to you.

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago* (2 children)

    I appreciate the thought but while it may be a healthful exercise it’s not a useful working position - just like planking. When I need to get low to the ground it’s usually for some working purpose so I need both hands. Safety is a consideration, too. Active balancing may be good for the brain but falling over is not.

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