Thank you, Matt - 70 years old and 250 pounds, yet I followed your tips for 2 weeks and today I did the Asian Squat 3 times, with enough knee strength to stand without hands 2 of those times. I plan to keep on it and lose weight. 8/21/22 I am now 221 pounds. Hurt right knee so only doing 1/2 squats to strengthen it. But I jump rope 1000 skips per day, calisthenics, and jog 4 to 5 miles per day.
I lost 30 lbs after I dropped dairy, eggs, and all oils. I was already a vegetarian, so I haven't eaten any animals since 1996. Now I eat a whole foods plant based diet. It's great. I'm 65.
I saw this guys video on the primal squat a few weeks ago, and noticed my kids do this all the time and I can't do it. I've made it a goal to be able to do this. I don't want to have issues getting down on the ground playing with my kids.
@@kazuzart1582 if you don't give the toddler a chair, then this toddler will continue to squat as an adult. Toddlers are flexible so they can learn skills. It's the job of the adult to maintain the skills.
I'm Slavic Eurasian and I've always been able to do this. I think it's also called Slavic Squat ... i recall this being a meme with Slavic people in Adidas track suits.
I'm Croatian, we do this with ease, all of my slavic friends can do this, but for some reason those who are not slavic cannot. We had a coworker of german origin who was born and raised in Croatia, but still he couldn't do it. :))))
Hi there, I found your upright health Asian squat UA-cam so very interesting. I’m coming up to 80 years at the end of this year and keeping as flexible and strong as possible. I can get down with my feet flat, but I still need my legs to be both stronger and more flexible. It’s so important for us oldies to keek fit. So I’ll be watching you with great interest. Seeing you has inspired me make a goal of being able to squat for 5 mins in comfort by November. Leonie from England
I was in China/Tibet a few years ago and was astonished to see how easily people could squat. This is definitely a weakness for us Western folks. Matt, LOVE your channel!! Thanks for all the great videos!
It's less a weakness and more of a completely different approach to life. We specifically have the Romans to thank for this as they are the ones that have us a huge emphasis on chairs and specifically them being at 90°'s. If you go to eastern Europe low squatting is no different from breathing because culturally chairs aren't as omniscient (don't AKs why I don't remember). You'll also find women in the west tend to have no problem with squatting like this since they're treated differently when young therefore they actually do develop the muscles needed to squat low, it's a really interesting topic if you're ever bored to look into
My whole family has been able to squat like this easily, but i cant do it. I cant get less than 90° with my ankles. I never have been able to. Ive done exercises and been practising karate for about 6 years too. Im only 15 aswell
This happened to me like a month ago! Same dream! I was ecstatic to be able to Asian Squat... then I woke up and I was so sad T.T I've been practicing to do it for ages. My brain was so mean to me that night lol
I had a compound fracture of my left ankle in 2007 and have had limited mobility ever since. I also have had bilateral partial knee replacements. After doing these exercises for 10 days, I already have better mobility. I have a long way to go but I’m working it.
I am a tall 65 yo caucasian female and I squat like this many, many times a day. It feels comforting and very comfortable to me, and it actually feels easier on my heart (my blood does not need to work against gravity as much to move around my body). I can squat for up to 20 minutes at a time before I get too stiff to stay squatting. I have actually almost fallen asleep many times while squatting. My family and friends actually think I am very weird when I squat. None of them are able to squat. Thanks for the videos, Matt!
I thought I could never ever get close to a deep squat, and several PTs said I wouldn't be able to, but I'm really close now. The "breathe calmly" in the uncomfortable spots is super important.
Being able to squat deeply doesn't have to be based on mobility alone but how one's hip bones are shaped. So for some a different squatting position makes all the difference on top of mobility to get deeper. Just search for hip bone shape and squats.
I started on a health journey last fall. I lost 40 lbs and am finally a healthy weight according to my doctor's chart. I could never achieve a full squat when i was overweight, but started practicing back in March. I can now do one for prolonged periods of time, just talking outside with family. I built the muscle necessary to maintain it by rucking. I started rucking 30-50 lbs, 3 miles, 3 times per week. It works.
It has troubled me for years that I can’t squat. Thank you for the exercises and encouragement. I’m sure my hip flexors are the issue and I’m excited to try these things!
I'm a UK/European male of 62 years. When I first heard about the Asian Squat, I tried it and found I could do it without any issues. I now make a point of doing it regularly whenever a task/action requires bending down, or being on my knees etc. I love doing it! 😉
Sounds like fun hedides being a good idea. I can get up from any seated position on the floor whilst keeping my hands on my head - sitting down legs stretched out, or spread with knees on floor with feet behind me. A lot of people can't do that, so trying squat next.
Subtle as they may be your instructions on multiple levels were amazing, repetition, listening to your body, manageable loads, regular assessment, constant rebuffing, as well as giving yourself goals. You really do know how to teach exercise and I commend you for it
Living in the US, working a desk job, my wife just had our first kid and my back was killing me. Happened across your video about 6 months back and it changed my low back life!!
I love the Asian Squat! I am 64 in a month and had a complete hip replacement which I avoided until I found out my hip was a necrotic, collapsed mess which became apparent over time. It was so bad I was on weight bearing restriction for 6 weeks. Now i'm 6 months post surgery and have been working slowly to regain my Asian squat ...for gardening, grandkids, cleaning and because it is very comfortable! I can now hold my squat for several minutes ....and stand up from it! Thanks for all your helpful, encouraging videos!
This is very personal, but I was told I need a hip replacement, I've been reluctant as I was told I won't be able to have marital relations with my husband if I have the surgery 😢. I don't know if that's true !
I turn 67 yrs old soon so when I saw this video I figured I wouldn’t be able to do an Asian Squat. WRONG! I had no difficulty at all going all the way down with my thigh covering my calf and feet flat on the floor without even using a chair for stability. I guess I’m very fortunate. Now, I’ll slowly add weight to the routine. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement.
I want to thank you for this video. I’m in my 60’s ….I fell Xcountry skiing ,end of March though didn’t break anything I was hurting!!!!The X-ray showed arthritis. Dr said the fall aggravated it…I was suffering with hip, groin and low back pain. I couldn’t sleep, walk or run for exercise without pain.About a week or so ago this video came up in my feed. I just felt I had nothing to lose …I started where I was able and soon progressed I can do the full squat now with feet flat, get in and out of the squat. I do it 5-6 times a day and am working on staying in the position longer. I can’t believe how this turned around for me. I will be doing this for the rest of my life!!! Im evangelizing like mad… if you say hi… im telling you about the Asian squat. Seriously… I am deeply grateful.
I have lived and studied in China for more than three years and the vast majority of the Chinese even the old folks do this thing effortlessly. I remember a time I went to repair my electric bike and the man did the whole repair of my bike while doing the Asian squat I was so impressed and amazed that I had to take a picture. Even my lab mate while on the field do the Asian squat effortlessly and it does feel weird that I can't even maintain the pose for 5min. I really need to learn it.
I had gained weight after my IVF followed by a miss carriage and then a pregnancy.. I happened to see a friends WhatsApp status on importance of SQUATS.. searched for videos and the exercises recommended in this video was easy for me to follow.. In 12 days doing only one exercise for 30 seconds... I could SQUAT.. nearly after 10 yrs.. so really this works. Thank you so much for taking your time to make this video and share.. God Bless you.. 😊 🤗
I’ve had surgery on my foot and calf due to being born with messed up feet and my mobility had deteriorated a lot in my leg, I’ve been doing the Asian squat and exercises to help gain the mobility I used to have. This has helped so much and I am able to move much more freely now.
I've always been able to do this as well and can still do it easily at the age of 65. Also can get up out of the squat without any assistance or use of hands.
Long ago I was having horrible knee pain. I started doing Hindu squats. They completely eliminated my knee pain. It's been over a decade of pain free knees although admittedly, I need to get doing them again. Stronger legs influence your entire day. Days become weeks, months and years.
@Gromin with rob I’ve been looking into Hindu squats due your experience but I am seeing different versions of it. Would you mind sending me a video that’s closest to the version you are doing?
Wow you just earned a sub. I've been struggling with getting into this position for almost 20 years now. Way before UA-cam was a popular thing. This was the most comprehensive video that talked about achieving this position as both a strength and mobility progression. Not just "try to sink down into the position and hope for the best". Will be coming back to this very for weeks to come and now I know all the places that need work, as well as how to work them. Thank you. I'm gonna hop on to your ankle mobility video now.
As far as exercise management goes great advice but one major flaw is.. what if the restriction for someone to "Asian Squat" is not Hamstring or glute. Ankle Mobility or the ability to move the knee over the toes is a major part of squat depth.
Yup, I can squat atg perfectly in my squat shoes. If I want to do the same barefoot, I have to point my toes out almost horizontally to get the same depth.
Decades of elevated heels on our shoes shorten/stiffen our achilleas tendons and ruin our ankle flexibility. I switched to no-rise shoes and boots and it did not take long for that flexibility to return. Take it slow or it will be painful. The human foot was not designed to have arch supports or elevated heels. Your arch ,which is your frames shock absorber, will get much stronger as well without artificial support. Go barefoot as much as possible.
Thanks to this video.. today was the first day that my hamstrings touched my calves. Im a 31 and a chronic desk jockey. These past 8 months I picked up my weightlifting routine but now im noticing some issues with mobility so i came across your channel. Thanks so much for these guides. They are helping me improve drastically.
Hehe my husband is 53 and is a natural with the Asian Squat, me I'm 54 and can't get anywhere near there! I'm going to set a challenge to see if in 30 days I can Asian Squat and surprise him :)
I'm so grateful to have found this channel. It was just a random suggestion in the sidebar. I garden, and I spend a lot of time on my knees which is hard on the jeans! I am committed to stretching and strengthening until I can comfortably do the primal squat whenever and wherever I want. I'm in my mid 50s and noticing a weakening in my muscles that I want to address now so I'm still strong and flexible in my 70s and beyond.
I’m glad I found your channel. My hips, ankles~ well, my whole lower body has become so stiff that my low back can spasm easily. I’m so hoping learning to do this will help me gain better muscle health and mobility. 🙏
I love your clear straightforward videos, very helpful for my clients! One suggestion, perhaps as a progression, emphasize shifting your weight while grounding proprioception/visual cue into the feet. Strong feet take all this to the next level.
Your voice is so soothing, that’s even better with the advices and little jokes you do ! I’m going to try that routine to be able to do asian squats haha
I feel you missed mentioning one of the easiest ways to develop the range of motion needed for this squat--the squatty potty. Not only does it comfortably stretch the necessary muscles, it makes #2 so much more comfortable and easy. I've been using one for 5 years now and can't go without it lol. Great video
I have the wood squatty potty and assembled it with the footrest in the higher position. That’s comfortable for me, but I still can’t really Asian squat. Still, squatty potty is great!
@@username00009 yeah I love mine. By itself I don't think it'll get you there, but as an additional activity that gets you past 90 degrees for several minutes, I think it can help. I'm able to get into the squat but have to work on my ankles and strength to hold the squat.
I've been able to do this squat my whole life (simple white woman) and it always gives me a little chuckle that my husband (korean) is not able to do it. I will definitely show this video to him!
Well I'm 73 and going to start my journey today. I'm active but not as strong and flexible as this move requires. Took off my glasses, and not worrying about math, wow already i'm progressing and looser, with the aid of your humor.
I have Hypermobility. I can just do this without difficulty. What I wanted to say though, is that using this position regularly has helped keep my SI joint in position and overall reduces the pain levels that are associated with things slipping out of place. I have very regular dislocations, and using techniques like these I have been able to reduce their frequency by being more considerate of my body position and weight distribution as well as developing core strength.
I survived the pandemic without contracting Covid or even being stabbed. Thought that I had escaped it. But in a very slow and subtle way, I realized that I had not. Mainly just kicked back on the couch collecting $600 a week and the $1200 covid stimulus checks for almost 2 years. I noticed my legs getting weaker. They would ache after a walk around the marina. Now, I'm a small guy. 5' 11" and 145 lbs. 65 years old. When I did get out for a weekend or so, my Legs ached so bad that I could hardly walk. I then ran across Matts channel. We are about the same build and I could the do same postures he did. So I got down on the floor, assumed the squat, and at that instant, it hit me. My leg muscles weren't happy anymore. I started doing Matts squat exercises 5 days ago and I can almost rise upright without arm assist. I believe in another week, no arms will be needed to stand. Thank you Matt. I have subscribed. You have had better results in the past week with me, than the VA Physical Therapy has had in the past 6 months.
These exercises feel really nice, I'm going to do these everyday. My Asian squat doesn't look too bad, but these motions does seem to be really helpful in general.
I have arthritis is my hips and knees. Knees have bone spurs and .25% is bone on bone. 43 and they won't replace them. I did try this today and my calfs are really tight. Knees cracking nothing new..but I did enjoy it. This might even help me lose my waist line a bit. Thank you for showing how to actually do the stretches and exercises that go along with it. I'm going to keep working at it maybe one day I'll get down to do it properly with out pain. Thanks again
Hello Matt I have been doing that squat for about 10 minutes without getting up and I do feel it has been helping me with my pain on my left leg. It all started with going back to bowling after not bowling for almost 21 years. I put all my weight on my left leg to throw a hook ball and use all my strength and that is when my pain started because I was not doing my stretches before starting to bowl. Most all of your videos have been helping me and you can rest assured that when I get rid of all my pain I am gong to send you a check for your videos that you have not been charging me for. Thanks for all the advice you give out and not charge any thing for. You are awesome Matt. Keep them videos coming.
I have the same problem but it’s my right leg and i played soccer and lacrosse and would put all my strength and weight on my right leg and now im working out and stretching everyday to make sure my right leg gets better but i still feel a slight pain so imma do these asian squats everyday and add it to my routine
I have always been really inflexible. I am working on building the strength as you suggest but I am way far from being able to squat with my feet flat on the floor. I have doubts that I will ever be able to do that. The distance between my calf and hamstring is about 30 degrees before my heels start coming up. Am I missing something? Really glad I found your channel!
EVERYBODY can improve flexibility! And it's much more flexibility than strength in my opinion. But, like most fitness endeavors, it does take a lot of time and consistency. Don't give up.
Go for it Nianchi, I’m happy to hear about your positivity. There’s nothing so wonderful as the feeling of well-being, a healthy body and mind as we get older. So don’t forget, exercise, at least eight hours sleep, healthy and nourishing food and an active brain and of course keep watching Upright Health!!
When I was in birthing classes they gave us squatting exercises to practice. I used this squat whenever I had a contraction. Is really great for “opening up” and submitting to the process. 😊
same stretches that my kinesiologist recommended! I started squatting instead of kneeling when my fibro kicked in and it's much easier on my back and legs, but I can't get my feet flat against the floor, I'm still on my toes
Thanks for this. I really liked the summary at the end, reinforcing the daily stretch but only doing the strengthening exercises 2 times a week. Plus your videos are always such fun to watch :)
Wow, after thinking I could never get flexibility in my right leg, hip ankle and be rid of pain without accepting it was just the way it would be, this video has changed my mind, body and spirit! I am using my heavy frame platform bed to hold onto and go down into a full squat with my heels touching the floor and back up. I just started working on my goal to do this squat without any help and already; less hip pain and more flexibility doing everyday chores, more balance (my right hip was injured a long time ago, a torn muscle). My entire leg was way smaller than my left leg, no doctor told me I could gain strength and be pain free if I worked on the Muscles. Always think muscle! It is 100% true. Every part of my right side is benefiting from my slow and steady training. I can now balance when I’m putting on my socks and shoe without sitting down. My endurance through the day is amazing me, all of this and I’ve just started. I’m going to do this Asian squat without any prop. Soon. This has totally changed my Mind, Body and Spirit……Who knew? Thank you so much for your expertise and your delivery is excellent. Soon I plan to make a donation, we all need someone to teach us. Western culture health care is all about sick care. We need positive information that gives us hope that we can stop our suffering without a lifetime of medication that also depletes our bodies of nutrients that we need for normal healthy body functions. To heal and restore health naturally. A viscous cycle of Never getting better. Thank you So so much.
Great video. What about addressing calf tightness? That's what finally cracked the code for me. I could never get my heel down until I worked on stretching and loosening my calves. Best exercises are rolling with a stiff foam roller and lowering heel off the edge of a stairstep and holding it. After several weeks, I was finally able to get my feet flat on the floor and hold the squat comfortably.
Thanks for the tip! This seems to be my exact issue. I can squat comfortably, easily getting in & out, but noticed that where my partner goes into a deep "sit" with weight back & feet flat on the floor, my squat is a lot less sturdy and my heels are always up. If I put my heels back, I have to counterbalance with my hands forward or I fall on my butt. And it gets tiring very quickly.
I am turning 59 this month and been working my health for the past couple years. I want to be in best shape I can and be flexible. I will try your program. Thank you.
This is so nuts to me. I had no idea that people actually had a hard time getting into this kind of squatting posture. Always thought it was a natural thing to be able to do.
I can get into the position, just not with my heels fully flat. I have longer legs and short torso so it's the lack of ankle flexibility that makes it hard for me.
I really enjoyed this video. I am going to practice. I can do it but not with my heels on the floor 🫤 so I will practice the exercises you explained. Thank you so much!
I find squatting like this a huge relief on my back. The only thing is, I can’t get one of my feet to stay flat on either foot without it hurting my calf muscles.
I think addressing ankle mobility would play a pretty big part in this. Its what mainly causes people to fall back as they can get their weight more forward.
my RA in my ankle is off the charts am due for a replacement but i am hesitating! i wonder if this could alleviate some of the non motion in my ankle i now have > ruining my mobility!!??
I'm from a coal mining region in Wales, and remember the old miners (middle-aged men in the 1960s/70s) habitually squatting in comfort. I would be a bit perplexed at the time - it wasn't/isn't comfortable for me - but I realised after a while tha their job involved a lot of squatting to dig out the coal. It's just as you mentioned previously - it's not an 'Asian' squat really, just a thing that Asians happen to do more often than others, for various reasons.
I can get into the squat but get sore fairly quickly when in the correct form, so I'll probably add in some hip flexor strengthening exercises too and just hold the squat more until it becomes effortless! Thanks for the vid
Great video!!! This is really helping my hamstrings!!! Just an aside though, people were doing these deep full squats in 🌍 Africa for One million years before anyone was living or even visiting in Asia!!! Or in Queens 👸 NYC!!! LOL 😆
I worked on being able to do the mama squat/Asian squat while pregnant. I've had amazing births (four) and I attribute part of that to being able to squat like this.
This man easily explained this for me, wish I knew his name to Thank him....An excellent video explanation of an important exercise for me, an 80 yr. old......Thanks.
Great channel! So glad I found you. Curious what it means if I can easily hang out in a squat while staying on my toes, but if my feet are flat on the ground, I get uncomfortable pretty quickly 🤷♀️
I’m Asian and recently learned this was something that not everyone can do. My Caucasian husband is not able to do it. All of my Asian friends and family can, but none of my non-Asian friends can (even though they’re more fit and stretch way more often than I do). Thanks for making this video!
I think it's misleading almost racist to say "Asian" squat. I am not saying it's racist in a malicious or intentionally hurtful way, it just makes it sound like this is something pertaining to Asian people specifically, which it's not. I have a friends from some countries such as Cambodia that can do this with ease, naturally. But know others such as my friend from the Philippines that cannot. A more appropriate word would be "third world squat", which means people in poor countries are more likely to do this because they are raised doing it and it's a part of culture. I'm sure the folks in Africa can do it as well.
@@jpb_12 German people do to, so do English. People all over the world do it. So what’s your point? My point is it’s more common in third world, less developed countries where furniture isn’t used as much.
I have wanted to be able to do an Asian Squat for many years. My husband and my young adult kids can do it easily. I am 57 years old but I have to say that I could not do it when I was a lot younger. My hips are very tight (sitting in chairs at work all day and then relaxing while sitting in a chair in the evening). My knees are weak and they get a pain in the center when I try to squat, perform lunges, etc. So, I don't do them. I am excited to find your channel and will try the exercises you have outlined to train my muscles. I hope I have success and can eventually do it.
I have been squatting like this for about a year now and have just today, after watching this video, gotten my heels on the floor. So thanks for the tips!
Yup. Just go slow and pay attention to the cues and clues I gave about limiting range of motion and GRADUALLY progressing. Also: your knees will not get LESS stiff by not moving them. 😉
Thanks so much for this video! I'm 75, and I used to do this, but have spent too much time during the pandemic sitting in chairs. I want to get this strength back especially in my hips which bother me lately when I'm walking. It's so important to keep walking as we get older for heart, blood pressure, insulin regulation, weight control, etc. Plus it's fun!
This isnt always about strength or mobility, your anatomy matters a lot. For some people a sitting squat is a lot more natural than for others, for example I have pretty good mobility in my ankles and hips, but I'm also pretty tall and have long femurs, making my body lean back naturally.
No it's just muscles, I'm 6'1 and have a fairly easy time doing it. Like I also play hockey and teach adults who are learning and a lot of them can't do what's known as a tomahawk turn where toes and knees are pointed out 90 degrees so your feet make a straight line and it's not because of the way they are built it's only flexibility and small muscles that aren't challenged regularly. I guarantee if you actually work to do this you'll be able to do it too. Slavic people are known for being pretty tall and lanky and they can do it
@@CAVEMANsean well I'm slavic, 6'3 and have been going to the gym for most of my life, but have never been able to sit in a squat my entire life without falling backwards. It's not about muscle, if you have long femurs it just makes no sense mechanically for you to be able to squat without folding forward. I recommend looking up some videos that explain it pretty well
ALWAYS THINK MUSCLES. Bone shape excuses are B.S. ua-cam.com/video/tYRh51oaR4k/v-deo.html This deep squat is also called the SLAV SQUAT or the Gopnik Squat or the Russian squat. Why? Because Slavs can squat too.
@@ishaboy5090 Also, here's a 6'4" guy doing a deep squat after years of stiffness. It took him a long time to train it, but he can do it now. ua-cam.com/video/tYRh51oaR4k/v-deo.html
@@Uprighthealth I never said no tall person can do it, I said it's a lot more difficult depending on the length of your femurs and your hip socket placement. Please watch this video ua-cam.com/video/Av3LO2GwpAk/v-deo.html
Only been two weeks and I can see some improvements. Always thought stiff ankles was the problem. Been doing as instructed here and find my ankles were never the problem. Starting with my heels up is definitely helping. Not focusing on the ankles and I can see major improvements.
I was really surprised to see that I can actually do that squat. The only problem is that it kills my knees. How should i increase my knee flexibility ?
Love these videos. I am a furniture flipper and so I am up and down painting all day. I have been actively working on getting better at this for a while. Being able to stay down in a squat longer actually makes me more productive. Going to incorporate these exercises and stretches next. Thanks for this content.
What about when you can already get into that deep squat position and hold it fine, but absolutely cannot do it flat footed? I need a couple inches under my heel. It's like my body proportions are just wrong for it flat...
Simplest strategy will be to gradually lower the help under your heel. Also, the rocking onto to heels and forward shown in the video will help. Just hold onto something to assist. Will address this in a future video. 🤙
Thanks for your videos! Question: In some of the shots your feet are slightly more than shoulder width apart. I can do that! In some of the shots your feet are much closer together. I can’t do that one yet so will continue practicing. Curious if there is a greater benefit between one or the other foot position?
I have learned how to do this and it can be done also by seniors as I am living proof, I am 69-1/2 years young, and I can both get down and up and do this several times a day. If I know that nature is calling, I do squats and then have as one Gastroenterologist terms it: a complete evacuation. We are camping right now in our RV and yesterday was our first day using it. The whole thing is nice but cramped and when things are different for me, constipation is usual. As I am vegetarian, regularity is built in, except if I am tense. Fortunately, this tells my internal muscles to work and that is a blessing. I have also found since taking magnesium daily as I was getting a bit of high blood pressure, that it brought my blood pressure down like a charm, but also made more BMs. That’s why they sell “Milk of Magnesia” (which I have never used). It is best always to get nutrients and as many vitamins as we can from our food, but the food in the USA, the farmers do not think magnesium is important and so we have 1/2 the population with high blood pressure. The supplement is better for one than the pills they prescribe but also one has to watch sodium, so I switched to Morton’s Lite Salt which is not Sodium/Chloride but Sodium/Potassium. Potassium helps to regulate how much sodium is in the blood also. So taken as part of a supplement which I am doing also, along with eating bananas, which is rich in Potassium… BP is solved. I was up to 150/80, now am generally 115/65. Except when I go to the doctor as I get White Coat Syndrome, but with as low as it as gone, I don’t think he will tell me I have to take meds, a thing I do not want to do. My dad got Alzheimer’s disease and it all started when he went on high blood pressure meds, Statins and diabetic meds. He was also on heart meds. Toxic combo for the brain, and I am not the only one who suspects this, even Plant-Based doctors are saying this now too. Hippocrates was right: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine, thy food”. My back feels much better doing the squats, and they make me feel energized as well as helping me to practice my balance. Thank you so much for your videos."
Hi, new subscriber as of 10 minutes ago. I’ll try to keep this brief but I have a question. I was a yoga instructor back in 1999. Of course I was very flexible and practiced every day. Make a long story short had a run-in with my boss and dropped out and eventually stop practicing yoga. Today I am in my early 60s and just recently had to have varicose vein surgery on both legs and decided to do them both at the same time. Three hour surgery went well and I’ve been cleared to do whatever I want run, lift weights and so forth. Now, here’s the question I have about doing the type of squats you’re talking about. I know that I can get into this position within three or four weeks easily. Are used to do this daily but it’s been at least four or five years. My concern is… Is this putting a lot of pressure on the veins and maybe cutting off circulation when I am in the full squad position?? You might not feel comfortable answering this question. I will be seeing my surgeon in about four more weeks, but would love your thoughts on this. I desperately want to get my legs back in shape… Flexibility and strength. Thank you and I hope you have time to reply. If not I fully understand and will continue to check out more of your videos now that I am a subscriber. First time I’ve come across one of your videos… Excellent! Thank you for making it.👍🏻👍🏻
Finally able to do an asian squat after 8 months of stretching. I noticed a big improvement in my progress combining stretches and a massage gun. Especially in the calves and glutes where the tightness restricted my motion.
What are you going to do with your new ability to Asian squat?! Drop a comment! 👇 🎥Asian Squat Playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLfKNSz5BBcBFj4s3JY-ykZZS5bZ4tP0MG.html 🎯Asian Squat Course: www.uprighthealth.com/asian-squat 👉Want to improve your hip mobility? Check out the Healthy Hips program! uprighthealth.com/healthy-hips
This squat is done everywhere. It’s the position of taking number two. It’s also the way indigenous people around the world make plans in the field. You show ether your limited view of the world or your purposely colonizing indigenous culture. Ether way this is unacceptable. Educate yourself and acknowledge what cultures taught Asian culture.
Thank you, Matt - 70 years old and 250 pounds, yet I followed your tips for 2 weeks and today I did the Asian Squat 3 times, with enough knee strength to stand without hands 2 of those times. I plan to keep on it and lose weight.
8/21/22 I am now 221 pounds. Hurt right knee so only doing 1/2 squats to strengthen it. But I jump rope 1000 skips per day, calisthenics, and jog 4 to 5 miles per day.
Go look up Eric Berg and sten Eckberg and try intermittent fasting. It works for weight loss!
Try carnivore diet to teach your ideal weight.
Good going, with your age and weight. Good luck on your health goals.
I am game for this
I lost 30 lbs after I dropped dairy, eggs, and all oils. I was already a vegetarian, so I haven't eaten any animals since 1996. Now I eat a whole foods plant based diet. It's great. I'm 65.
Toddlers do this all the time, then we give them chairs. At 65 I am determined to achieve this and challenge all of my younger family members 😂
It's not just chair. Todlers are built very differently than adult.
I saw this guys video on the primal squat a few weeks ago, and noticed my kids do this all the time and I can't do it. I've made it a goal to be able to do this. I don't want to have issues getting down on the ground playing with my kids.
@@kazuzart1582 if you don't give the toddler a chair, then this toddler will continue to squat as an adult. Toddlers are flexible so they can learn skills. It's the job of the adult to maintain the skills.
I'm Slavic Eurasian and I've always been able to do this. I think it's also called Slavic Squat ... i recall this being a meme with Slavic people in Adidas track suits.
I'm Croatian, we do this with ease, all of my slavic friends can do this, but for some reason those who are not slavic cannot. We had a coworker of german origin who was born and raised in Croatia, but still he couldn't do it. :))))
Yes bratko the "Slav Squat", 10% extra depth if you wear Adidas tracksuit or shoes
Gopniks of the world,unite!
I suppose no one in Russia does pop squad (pooping squad). They just go all of the down stretching their hands straight.
Maybe because of wc outdoor.
Hi there, I found your upright health Asian squat UA-cam so very interesting. I’m coming up to 80 years at the end of this year and keeping as flexible and strong as possible. I can get down with my feet flat, but I still need my legs to be both stronger and more flexible. It’s so important for us oldies to keek fit. So I’ll be watching you with great interest. Seeing you has inspired me make a goal of being able to squat for 5 mins in comfort by November. Leonie from England
Bless you keep going you don’t do it you lose it 💕 .. loose is when you don’t do it ..
@@auntieangelthekingsdaughterrum That’s awesome, keep at it!
Good for you Leonie! I'm 68 and have done it all my life but I realized recently that I needed to do it more my muscles are getting less responsive.
Leonie, you rock! Your great mindset has kept you much younger than your years❤️, keep it up 👍
@@auntieangelthekingsdaughterrum
Lose not loose. In fact loose is what we want.
I was in China/Tibet a few years ago and was astonished to see how easily people could squat. This is definitely a weakness for us Western folks. Matt, LOVE your channel!! Thanks for all the great videos!
It's less a weakness and more of a completely different approach to life. We specifically have the Romans to thank for this as they are the ones that have us a huge emphasis on chairs and specifically them being at 90°'s. If you go to eastern Europe low squatting is no different from breathing because culturally chairs aren't as omniscient (don't AKs why I don't remember).
You'll also find women in the west tend to have no problem with squatting like this since they're treated differently when young therefore they actually do develop the muscles needed to squat low, it's a really interesting topic if you're ever bored to look into
My whole family has been able to squat like this easily, but i cant do it. I cant get less than 90° with my ankles. I never have been able to. Ive done exercises and been practising karate for about 6 years too. Im only 15 aswell
tell that to the squatting slavs
I'm Brazilian, and I can squat very well, since in my childhood I was always playing with legos in the floor.
I am Caucasian and I have been squatting since I can remember. Still am at 62.
The other day, I finally achieved the Asian Squat - I was so excited! Then I woke up. I was dreaming. No, seriously - I was dreaming. 🙁
This happened to me like a month ago! Same dream! I was ecstatic to be able to Asian Squat... then I woke up and I was so sad T.T I've been practicing to do it for ages. My brain was so mean to me that night lol
I had a compound fracture of my left ankle in 2007 and have had limited mobility ever since. I also have had bilateral partial knee replacements. After doing these exercises for 10 days, I already have better mobility. I have a long way to go but I’m working it.
Kudos!
Also bilateral knee replacements - the knees simply don't bend this far.
Did you finally manage to do an asian squat ?
Hey what up I also have limited mobility in my ankle from a break and 3 surgeries. How's ur ankle mobility a year later?
Same with the ankle break. I always am gentle with it due to the hardware but I need more strength.
I am a tall 65 yo caucasian female and I squat like this many, many times a day. It feels comforting and very comfortable to me, and it actually feels easier on my heart (my blood does not need to work against gravity as much to move around my body). I can squat for up to 20 minutes at a time before I get too stiff to stay squatting. I have actually almost fallen asleep many times while squatting. My family and friends actually think I am very weird when I squat. None of them are able to squat. Thanks for the videos, Matt!
That’s normal. Not being able to squat like this is abnormal. It should be a resting position, but we sit too much and lost the ability
wow
@@PrettyINCs Yes. That's what he said.
I thought I could never ever get close to a deep squat, and several PTs said I wouldn't be able to, but I'm really close now. The "breathe calmly" in the uncomfortable spots is super important.
How long did it take to gain more ability?
@@aletheakelly1010 Years... very slow and steady process
Being able to squat deeply doesn't have to be based on mobility alone but how one's hip bones are shaped. So for some a different squatting position makes all the difference on top of mobility to get deeper.
Just search for hip bone shape and squats.
I started on a health journey last fall. I lost 40 lbs and am finally a healthy weight according to my doctor's chart. I could never achieve a full squat when i was overweight, but started practicing back in March. I can now do one for prolonged periods of time, just talking outside with family. I built the muscle necessary to maintain it by rucking. I started rucking 30-50 lbs, 3 miles, 3 times per week. It works.
It has troubled me for years that I can’t squat. Thank you for the exercises and encouragement. I’m sure my hip flexors are the issue and I’m excited to try these things!
You got this!
How’d it go? Can you do it now?
I'm a UK/European male of 62 years. When I first heard about the Asian Squat, I tried it and found I could do it without any issues. I now make a point of doing it regularly whenever a task/action requires bending down, or being on my knees etc.
I love doing it! 😉
Sounds like fun hedides being a good idea. I can get up from any seated position on the floor whilst keeping my hands on my head - sitting down legs stretched out, or spread with knees on floor with feet behind me. A lot of people can't do that, so trying squat next.
@@Athena621 Well Bea, you have me beat on that score. I definitely can't do that!
Just tried!😉
Subtle as they may be your instructions on multiple levels were amazing, repetition, listening to your body, manageable loads, regular assessment, constant rebuffing, as well as giving yourself goals.
You really do know how to teach exercise and I commend you for it
Living in the US, working a desk job, my wife just had our first kid and my back was killing me. Happened across your video about 6 months back and it changed my low back life!!
I love the Asian Squat! I am 64 in a month and had a complete hip replacement which I avoided until I found out my hip was a necrotic, collapsed mess which became apparent over time. It was so bad I was on weight bearing restriction for 6 weeks. Now i'm 6 months post surgery and have been working slowly to regain my Asian squat ...for gardening, grandkids, cleaning and because it is very comfortable! I can now hold my squat for several minutes ....and stand up from it! Thanks for all your helpful, encouraging videos!
This is very personal, but I was told I need a hip replacement, I've been reluctant as I was told I won't be able to have marital relations with my husband if I have the surgery 😢. I don't know if that's true !
I turn 67 yrs old soon so when I saw this video I figured I wouldn’t be able to do an Asian Squat. WRONG! I had no difficulty at all going all the way down with my thigh covering my calf and feet flat on the floor without even using a chair for stability. I guess I’m very fortunate. Now, I’ll slowly add weight to the routine. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement.
I want to thank you for this video. I’m in my 60’s ….I fell Xcountry skiing ,end of March though didn’t break anything I was hurting!!!!The X-ray showed arthritis. Dr said the fall aggravated it…I was suffering with hip, groin and low back pain.
I couldn’t sleep, walk or run for exercise without pain.About a week or so ago this video came up in my feed. I just felt I had nothing to lose …I started where I was able and soon progressed I can do the full squat now with feet flat, get in and out of the squat. I do it 5-6 times a day and am working on staying in the position longer.
I can’t believe how this turned around for me. I will be doing this for the rest of my life!!! Im evangelizing like mad… if you say hi… im telling you about the Asian squat. Seriously… I am deeply grateful.
I have lived and studied in China for more than three years and the vast majority of the Chinese even the old folks do this thing effortlessly. I remember a time I went to repair my electric bike and the man did the whole repair of my bike while doing the Asian squat I was so impressed and amazed that I had to take a picture. Even my lab mate while on the field do the Asian squat effortlessly and it does feel weird that I can't even maintain the pose for 5min. I really need to learn it.
I had gained weight after my IVF followed by a miss carriage and then a pregnancy.. I happened to see a friends WhatsApp status on importance of SQUATS.. searched for videos and the exercises recommended in this video was easy for me to follow..
In 12 days doing only one exercise for 30 seconds... I could SQUAT.. nearly after 10 yrs.. so really this works.
Thank you so much for taking your time to make this video and share.. God Bless you.. 😊 🤗
I’ve had surgery on my foot and calf due to being born with messed up feet and my mobility had deteriorated a lot in my leg, I’ve been doing the Asian squat and exercises to help gain the mobility I used to have. This has helped so much and I am able to move much more freely now.
I've always been able to do this as well and can still do it easily at the age of 65. Also can get up out of the squat without any assistance or use of hands.
Since I practise Yoga (since September last year) 4 to 5 Times a week, I'm easily able to do this Squad and it is very comfortable to sit like this
Long ago I was having horrible knee pain. I started doing Hindu squats. They completely eliminated my knee pain. It's been over a decade of pain free knees although admittedly, I need to get doing them again. Stronger legs influence your entire day. Days become weeks, months and years.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Gromin With Rob!
@Gromin with rob I’ve been looking into Hindu squats due your experience but I am seeing different versions of it. Would you mind sending me a video that’s closest to the version you are doing?
@@laleau92 I’d like this too for my dad
I do this everyday...while pooping..🤷🤷🤷🤷...I'm indian btw😂😂
How many repetitions of Hindu Squats was your routine?
Your videos are helpful and your humor lends a smile to it all. Thanks, Matt!!!
Thank you very much! Your support is much appreciated!
Wow you just earned a sub. I've been struggling with getting into this position for almost 20 years now. Way before UA-cam was a popular thing. This was the most comprehensive video that talked about achieving this position as both a strength and mobility progression.
Not just "try to sink down into the position and hope for the best".
Will be coming back to this very for weeks to come and now I know all the places that need work, as well as how to work them. Thank you.
I'm gonna hop on to your ankle mobility video now.
You are great, I'm 77 and you have given me the ability to do the Asian Squat. I also appreciate your humor.
As far as exercise management goes great advice but one major flaw is.. what if the restriction for someone to "Asian Squat" is not Hamstring or glute. Ankle Mobility or the ability to move the knee over the toes is a major part of squat depth.
Yup, I can squat atg perfectly in my squat shoes. If I want to do the same barefoot, I have to point my toes out almost horizontally to get the same depth.
Decades of elevated heels on our shoes shorten/stiffen our achilleas tendons and ruin our ankle flexibility. I switched to no-rise shoes and boots and it did not take long for that flexibility to return. Take it slow or it will be painful. The human foot was not designed to have arch supports or elevated heels. Your arch ,which is your frames shock absorber, will get much stronger as well without artificial support. Go barefoot as much as possible.
Check out the upcoming videos 🙂
Learning how to do the Asian squat is one of the best gifts I’ve given my body. Especially as an avid gardener. 🤗🌱
Thanks to this video.. today was the first day that my hamstrings touched my calves. Im a 31 and a chronic desk jockey. These past 8 months I picked up my weightlifting routine but now im noticing some issues with mobility so i came across your channel. Thanks so much for these guides. They are helping me improve drastically.
Hehe my husband is 53 and is a natural with the Asian Squat, me I'm 54 and can't get anywhere near there! I'm going to set a challenge to see if in 30 days I can Asian Squat and surprise him :)
I'm so grateful to have found this channel. It was just a random suggestion in the sidebar. I garden, and I spend a lot of time on my knees which is hard on the jeans! I am committed to stretching and strengthening until I can comfortably do the primal squat whenever and wherever I want. I'm in my mid 50s and noticing a weakening in my muscles that I want to address now so I'm still strong and flexible in my 70s and beyond.
I’m glad I found your channel. My hips, ankles~ well, my whole lower body has become so stiff that my low back can spasm easily. I’m so hoping learning to do this will help me gain better muscle health and mobility. 🙏
I love your clear straightforward videos, very helpful for my clients! One suggestion, perhaps as a progression, emphasize shifting your weight while grounding proprioception/visual cue into the feet. Strong feet take all this to the next level.
Your voice is so soothing, that’s even better with the advices and little jokes you do ! I’m going to try that routine to be able to do asian squats haha
I feel you missed mentioning one of the easiest ways to develop the range of motion needed for this squat--the squatty potty. Not only does it comfortably stretch the necessary muscles, it makes #2 so much more comfortable and easy. I've been using one for 5 years now and can't go without it lol.
Great video
If you can't do this squat effortlessly the squatty potty will be a disaster...a dirty disaster. Over and out from Thailand.
I have the wood squatty potty and assembled it with the footrest in the higher position. That’s comfortable for me, but I still can’t really Asian squat. Still, squatty potty is great!
@@username00009 yeah I love mine. By itself I don't think it'll get you there, but as an additional activity that gets you past 90 degrees for several minutes, I think it can help. I'm able to get into the squat but have to work on my ankles and strength to hold the squat.
Even a small step stool can save your life lol
I've been able to do this squat my whole life (simple white woman) and it always gives me a little chuckle that my husband (korean) is not able to do it. I will definitely show this video to him!
I really appreciate you and this subject today. Be blessed!
Well I'm 73 and going to start my journey today. I'm active but not as strong and flexible as this move requires. Took off my glasses, and not worrying about math, wow already i'm progressing and looser, with the aid of your humor.
I have Hypermobility. I can just do this without difficulty. What I wanted to say though, is that using this position regularly has helped keep my SI joint in position and overall reduces the pain levels that are associated with things slipping out of place. I have very regular dislocations, and using techniques like these I have been able to reduce their frequency by being more considerate of my body position and weight distribution as well as developing core strength.
I survived the pandemic without contracting Covid or even being stabbed. Thought that I had escaped it. But in a very slow and subtle way, I realized that I had not. Mainly just kicked back on the couch collecting $600 a week and the $1200 covid stimulus checks for almost 2 years. I noticed my legs getting weaker. They would ache after a walk around the marina. Now, I'm a small guy. 5' 11" and 145 lbs. 65 years old. When I did get out for a weekend or so, my Legs ached so bad that I could hardly walk.
I then ran across Matts channel. We are about the same build and I could the do same postures he did. So I got down on the floor, assumed the squat, and at that instant, it hit me. My leg muscles weren't happy anymore. I started doing Matts squat exercises 5 days ago and I can almost rise upright without arm assist. I believe in another week, no arms will be needed to stand.
Thank you Matt. I have subscribed. You have had better results in the past week with me, than the VA Physical Therapy has had in the past 6 months.
These exercises feel really nice, I'm going to do these everyday. My Asian squat doesn't look too bad, but these motions does seem to be really helpful in general.
I have arthritis is my hips and knees. Knees have bone spurs and .25% is bone on bone. 43 and they won't replace them. I did try this today and my calfs are really tight. Knees cracking nothing new..but I did enjoy it. This might even help me lose my waist line a bit. Thank you for showing how to actually do the stretches and exercises that go along with it. I'm going to keep working at it maybe one day I'll get down to do it properly with out pain. Thanks again
Brilliant! Just what me and my husband needed at 55 and 62 we needed it spelt out believe me!
Hello Matt I have been doing that squat for about 10 minutes without getting up and I do feel it has been helping me with my pain on my left leg. It all started with going back to bowling after not bowling for almost 21 years. I put all my weight on my left leg to throw a hook ball and use all my strength and that is when my pain started because I was not doing my stretches before starting to bowl. Most all of your videos have been helping me and you can rest assured that when I get rid of all my pain I am gong to send you a check for your videos that you have not been charging me for. Thanks for all the advice you give out and not charge any thing for. You are awesome Matt. Keep them videos coming.
I have the same problem but it’s my right leg and i played soccer and lacrosse and would put all my strength and weight on my right leg and now im working out and stretching everyday to make sure my right leg gets better but i still feel a slight pain so imma do these asian squats everyday and add it to my routine
I have always been really inflexible. I am working on building the strength as you suggest but I am way far from being able to squat with my feet flat on the floor. I have doubts that I will ever be able to do that. The distance between my calf and hamstring is about 30 degrees before my heels start coming up. Am I missing something? Really glad I found your channel!
EVERYBODY can improve flexibility! And it's much more flexibility than strength in my opinion. But, like most fitness endeavors, it does take a lot of time and consistency. Don't give up.
Go for it Nianchi, I’m happy to hear about your positivity. There’s nothing so wonderful as the feeling of well-being, a healthy body and mind as we get older. So don’t forget, exercise, at least eight hours sleep, healthy and nourishing food and an active brain and of course keep watching Upright Health!!
When I was in birthing classes they gave us squatting exercises to practice. I used this squat whenever I had a contraction. Is really great for “opening up” and submitting to the process. 😊
Thank you for sharing this 🙏 awesome squatting tutorial
same stretches that my kinesiologist recommended! I started squatting instead of kneeling when my fibro kicked in and it's much easier on my back and legs, but I can't get my feet flat against the floor, I'm still on my toes
Same
I love this. And I want to learn to asian squat!! I don't know why this was on my recommended page, but I'm glad it was.
Thanks for this. I really liked the summary at the end, reinforcing the daily stretch but only doing the strengthening exercises 2 times a week. Plus your videos are always such fun to watch :)
Wow, after thinking I could never get flexibility in my right leg, hip ankle and be rid of pain without accepting it was just the way it would be, this video has changed my mind, body and spirit! I am using my heavy frame platform bed to hold onto and go down into a full squat with my heels touching the floor and back up. I just started working on my goal to do this squat without any help and already; less hip pain and more flexibility doing everyday chores, more balance (my right hip was injured a long time ago, a torn muscle). My entire leg was way smaller than my left leg, no doctor told me I could gain strength and be pain free if I worked on the Muscles. Always think muscle! It is 100% true. Every part of my right side is benefiting from my slow and steady training. I can now balance when I’m putting on my socks and shoe without sitting down. My endurance through the day is amazing me, all of this and I’ve just started. I’m going to do this Asian squat without any prop. Soon. This has totally changed my Mind, Body and Spirit……Who knew? Thank you so much for your expertise and your delivery is excellent. Soon I plan to make a donation, we all need someone to teach us. Western culture health care is all about sick care. We need positive information that gives us hope that we can stop our suffering without a lifetime of medication that also depletes our bodies of nutrients that we need for normal healthy body functions. To heal and restore health naturally. A viscous cycle of Never getting better. Thank you So so much.
Great video. What about addressing calf tightness? That's what finally cracked the code for me. I could never get my heel down until I worked on stretching and loosening my calves. Best exercises are rolling with a stiff foam roller and lowering heel off the edge of a stairstep and holding it. After several weeks, I was finally able to get my feet flat on the floor and hold the squat comfortably.
Thanks for the tip! This seems to be my exact issue. I can squat comfortably, easily getting in & out, but noticed that where my partner goes into a deep "sit" with weight back & feet flat on the floor, my squat is a lot less sturdy and my heels are always up. If I put my heels back, I have to counterbalance with my hands forward or I fall on my butt. And it gets tiring very quickly.
Same issue too.
I am turning 59 this month and been working my health for the past couple years. I want to be in best shape I can and be flexible. I will try your program. Thank you.
seeing all these 60+ years old commenting when im 21 im cooked
Same lmao
this made me laugh so bad but i’m the same hahah
Literally me☠
21 here also- it’s better to start young! We will be strong flexible 60 year olds >:C 👍
@moxxiesnothere i'm 14... we cooked
Gonna try this and update
This is so nuts to me. I had no idea that people actually had a hard time getting into this kind of squatting posture. Always thought it was a natural thing to be able to do.
I'm shocked too
Ask your friends if they can do this.
For a real laugh, ask your doctor. 😅
I can get into the position, just not with my heels fully flat. I have longer legs and short torso so it's the lack of ankle flexibility that makes it hard for me.
I can do it with my legs spread now, but with my legs close together I struggle. But I will get there!
If you watch babies it is a natural position to be able to get into.
And then we grow up sitting on chairs and couches and lose it
I did it! It took have a year of daily work. 59 yr old with MS. Thank you!
This is so excellent. Thank you . I could always do this but with age I am getting stiff so this will keep me flexible and strong
I really enjoyed this video. I am going to practice. I can do it but not with my heels on the floor 🫤 so I will practice the exercises you explained. Thank you so much!
I find squatting like this a huge relief on my back. The only thing is, I can’t get one of my feet to stay flat on either foot without it hurting my calf muscles.
Training everyday and you might be able to do it 👍
You are a brilliant teacher. I will do everything you show thank you very much 😌
I think addressing ankle mobility would play a pretty big part in this. Its what mainly causes people to fall back as they can get their weight more forward.
my RA in my ankle is off the charts am due for a replacement but i am hesitating! i wonder if this could alleviate some of the non motion in my ankle i now have > ruining my mobility!!??
ua-cam.com/video/oya7G1djWyQ/v-deo.html
i am a candidate for double hips replacements. please what do you recommend? I like the way you teach!!! GOD bless you and all the viewers!
I'm from a coal mining region in Wales, and remember the old miners (middle-aged men in the 1960s/70s) habitually squatting in comfort. I would be a bit perplexed at the time - it wasn't/isn't comfortable for me - but I realised after a while tha their job involved a lot of squatting to dig out the coal. It's just as you mentioned previously - it's not an 'Asian' squat really, just a thing that Asians happen to do more often than others, for various reasons.
I just love this-I will be practicing to see if I can to do this squat. Finally I like to say you have very nice voice ❤️.
I can get into the squat but get sore fairly quickly when in the correct form, so I'll probably add in some hip flexor strengthening exercises too and just hold the squat more until it becomes effortless! Thanks for the vid
Great video!!! This is really helping my hamstrings!!!
Just an aside though, people were doing these deep full squats in 🌍 Africa for
One million years before anyone was living or even visiting in Asia!!!
Or in Queens 👸 NYC!!! LOL 😆
this is goood
I am Scandinavian/married to a Chinese guy and he and our kids can both do It. For long periods of time... I am going to try your great stretches!
I worked on being able to do the mama squat/Asian squat while pregnant. I've had amazing births (four) and I attribute part of that to being able to squat like this.
This man easily explained this for me, wish I knew his name to Thank him....An excellent video explanation of an important exercise for me, an 80 yr. old......Thanks.
Great channel! So glad I found you. Curious what it means if I can easily hang out in a squat while staying on my toes, but if my feet are flat on the ground, I get uncomfortable pretty quickly 🤷♀️
Tight ankles, maybe
Amazing. As a child in Asia, I mostly saw old ppl doing this bc young ppl too hip to sit like that.
I’m Asian and recently learned this was something that not everyone can do. My Caucasian husband is not able to do it. All of my Asian friends and family can, but none of my non-Asian friends can (even though they’re more fit and stretch way more often than I do). Thanks for making this video!
I think it's misleading almost racist to say "Asian" squat. I am not saying it's racist in a malicious or intentionally hurtful way, it just makes it sound like this is something pertaining to Asian people specifically, which it's not. I have a friends from some countries such as Cambodia that can do this with ease, naturally. But know others such as my friend from the Philippines that cannot. A more appropriate word would be "third world squat", which means people in poor countries are more likely to do this because they are raised doing it and it's a part of culture. I'm sure the folks in Africa can do it as well.
@@1122redbird damn you have some serious mental issues that need resolving.
@@PieceOfCandyPS someone calling themselves "piece of candy" telling others they have mental issues. Total comedy lol
@@1122redbird Korean and Japanese people sit like this too, not third world nations…
@@jpb_12 German people do to, so do English. People all over the world do it. So what’s your point? My point is it’s more common in third world, less developed countries where furniture isn’t used as much.
Pain does suck! Glad I found your channel!
You don't have to wear glasses and you don't have to be good at math. 🙏
I have wanted to be able to do an Asian Squat for many years. My husband and my young adult kids can do it easily. I am 57 years old but I have to say that I could not do it when I was a lot younger. My hips are very tight (sitting in chairs at work all day and then relaxing while sitting in a chair in the evening). My knees are weak and they get a pain in the center when I try to squat, perform lunges, etc. So, I don't do them. I am excited to find your channel and will try the exercises you have outlined to train my muscles. I hope I have success and can eventually do it.
Great video I’ll give a try and let you know! Do tight ankles affect one’s ability to Asian squat? Thanks 🙏
ua-cam.com/video/oya7G1djWyQ/v-deo.html
Bro, awesome work out and motivating words.
My main problem with this position is reduced ankle dorsiflexion after a bimalleolar fracture. Not sure if there’s anything I can do about that. :(
Dude thanks! That totally worked! And miraculously in only about 2 minutes.
I have been squatting like this for about a year now and have just today, after watching this video, gotten my heels on the floor. So thanks for the tips!
Are these safe to do even when knees are already slightly painful and stiff?
Yup. Just go slow and pay attention to the cues and clues I gave about limiting range of motion and GRADUALLY progressing.
Also: your knees will not get LESS stiff by not moving them. 😉
Thanks so much for this video! I'm 75, and I used to do this, but have spent too much time during the pandemic sitting in chairs. I want to get this strength back especially in my hips which bother me lately when I'm walking. It's so important to keep walking as we get older for heart, blood pressure, insulin regulation, weight control, etc. Plus it's fun!
This isnt always about strength or mobility, your anatomy matters a lot. For some people a sitting squat is a lot more natural than for others, for example I have pretty good mobility in my ankles and hips, but I'm also pretty tall and have long femurs, making my body lean back naturally.
No it's just muscles, I'm 6'1 and have a fairly easy time doing it. Like I also play hockey and teach adults who are learning and a lot of them can't do what's known as a tomahawk turn where toes and knees are pointed out 90 degrees so your feet make a straight line and it's not because of the way they are built it's only flexibility and small muscles that aren't challenged regularly. I guarantee if you actually work to do this you'll be able to do it too. Slavic people are known for being pretty tall and lanky and they can do it
@@CAVEMANsean well I'm slavic, 6'3 and have been going to the gym for most of my life, but have never been able to sit in a squat my entire life without falling backwards. It's not about muscle, if you have long femurs it just makes no sense mechanically for you to be able to squat without folding forward. I recommend looking up some videos that explain it pretty well
ALWAYS THINK MUSCLES. Bone shape excuses are B.S. ua-cam.com/video/tYRh51oaR4k/v-deo.html
This deep squat is also called the SLAV SQUAT or the Gopnik Squat or the Russian squat. Why? Because Slavs can squat too.
@@ishaboy5090 Also, here's a 6'4" guy doing a deep squat after years of stiffness. It took him a long time to train it, but he can do it now. ua-cam.com/video/tYRh51oaR4k/v-deo.html
@@Uprighthealth I never said no tall person can do it, I said it's a lot more difficult depending on the length of your femurs and your hip socket placement. Please watch this video ua-cam.com/video/Av3LO2GwpAk/v-deo.html
Only been two weeks and I can see some improvements. Always thought stiff ankles was the problem. Been doing as instructed here and find my ankles were never the problem. Starting with my heels up is definitely helping. Not focusing on the ankles and I can see major improvements.
I was really surprised to see that I can actually do that squat. The only problem is that it kills my knees. How should i increase my knee flexibility ?
You need to strengthen your glute muscles
I'm wondering the same thing. I have horrible knees.
As someone who had lumbar scoliosis in my lower back your exercise for strengthening hip flexors helped a lot
Slav or Asian. Indian or African. Ive always wished I could do it
Love these videos. I am a furniture flipper and so I am up and down painting all day. I have been actively working on getting better at this for a while. Being able to stay down in a squat longer actually makes me more productive. Going to incorporate these exercises and stretches next. Thanks for this content.
What about when you can already get into that deep squat position and hold it fine, but absolutely cannot do it flat footed? I need a couple inches under my heel. It's like my body proportions are just wrong for it flat...
Simplest strategy will be to gradually lower the help under your heel. Also, the rocking onto to heels and forward shown in the video will help. Just hold onto something to assist.
Will address this in a future video. 🤙
It means you do have the muscles, but not the mobility in jour joints. But you can train this, you are just stiff.
I got served this video randomly months ago and I started doing the exercises in the video and now I can totally squat💫
Thanks for your videos! Question: In some of the shots your feet are slightly more than shoulder width apart. I can do that! In some of the shots your feet are much closer together. I can’t do that one yet so will continue practicing. Curious if there is a greater benefit between one or the other foot position?
Have a video in the works to answer this. 😀
ua-cam.com/video/oya7G1djWyQ/v-deo.html
I have learned how to do this and it can be done also by seniors as I am living proof, I am 69-1/2 years young, and I can both get down and up and do this several times a day. If I know that nature is calling, I do squats and then have as one Gastroenterologist terms it: a complete evacuation. We are camping right now in our RV and yesterday was our first day using it. The whole thing is nice but cramped and when things are different for me, constipation is usual. As I am vegetarian, regularity is built in, except if I am tense.
Fortunately, this tells my internal muscles to work and that is a blessing. I have also found since taking magnesium daily as I was getting a bit of high blood pressure, that it brought my blood pressure down like a charm, but also made more BMs. That’s why they sell “Milk of Magnesia” (which I have never used).
It is best always to get nutrients and as many vitamins as we can from our food, but the food in the USA, the farmers do not think magnesium is important and so we have 1/2 the population with high blood pressure. The supplement is better for one than the pills they prescribe but also one has to watch sodium, so I switched to Morton’s Lite Salt which is not Sodium/Chloride but Sodium/Potassium. Potassium helps to regulate how much sodium is in the blood also. So taken as part of a supplement which I am doing also, along with eating bananas, which is rich in Potassium… BP is solved. I was up to 150/80, now am generally 115/65. Except when I go to the doctor as I get White Coat Syndrome, but with as low as it as gone, I don’t think he will tell me I have to take meds, a thing I do not want to do. My dad got Alzheimer’s disease and it all started when he went on high blood pressure meds, Statins and diabetic meds. He was also on heart meds. Toxic combo for the brain, and I am not the only one who suspects this, even Plant-Based doctors are saying this now too. Hippocrates was right: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine, thy food”.
My back feels much better doing the squats, and they make me feel energized as well as helping me to practice my balance.
Thank you so much for your videos."
Hi, new subscriber as of 10 minutes ago. I’ll try to keep this brief but I have a question. I was a yoga instructor back in 1999. Of course I was very flexible and practiced every day. Make a long story short had a run-in with my boss and dropped out and eventually stop practicing yoga. Today I am in my early 60s and just recently had to have varicose vein surgery on both legs and decided to do them both at the same time. Three hour surgery went well and I’ve been cleared to do whatever I want run, lift weights and so forth. Now, here’s the question I have about doing the type of squats you’re talking about. I know that I can get into this position within three or four weeks easily. Are used to do this daily but it’s been at least four or five years. My concern is… Is this putting a lot of pressure on the veins and maybe cutting off circulation when I am in the full squad position?? You might not feel comfortable answering this question. I will be seeing my surgeon in about four more weeks, but would love your thoughts on this. I desperately want to get my legs back in shape… Flexibility and strength. Thank you and I hope you have time to reply. If not I fully understand and will continue to check out more of your videos now that I am a subscriber. First time I’ve come across one of your videos… Excellent! Thank you for making it.👍🏻👍🏻
Finally able to do an asian squat after 8 months of stretching. I noticed a big improvement in my progress combining stretches and a massage gun. Especially in the calves and glutes where the tightness restricted my motion.
Wait I thought everyone could do this
I am new to this and I have been doing the squat every day at work for the last couple of days. I am slowly getting there.
What are you going to do with your new ability to Asian squat?! Drop a comment! 👇
🎥Asian Squat Playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLfKNSz5BBcBFj4s3JY-ykZZS5bZ4tP0MG.html
🎯Asian Squat Course: www.uprighthealth.com/asian-squat
👉Want to improve your hip mobility? Check out the Healthy Hips program! uprighthealth.com/healthy-hips
I struggle with tight calves and longer femurs. Staying in that position is super hard. And then my shins light up. Any tips?
My biggest problem is very tight achiles tendon
This squat is done everywhere. It’s the position of taking number two. It’s also the way indigenous people around the world make plans in the field. You show ether your limited view of the world or your purposely colonizing indigenous culture. Ether way this is unacceptable. Educate yourself and acknowledge what cultures taught Asian culture.
I can’t do it because of my knees they hurt so bad when I squat
Poop in the woods.
Thanks for sharing, simple but effective things