Asian Squat: Bad for Knees?

[@Uprighthealth]

Where's the most interesting place you've practiced your Asian squat? Drop me a comment!👇

[@bobbiquigley7351]

Try and try everywhere in the house. Still can do it! But I will keep trying. I'm doing pilates and paddleboarding to build strength and flexibility. I used to squat on rollerskates on one leg when I was a teenager. Dang it lol

[@manoharamexpert9513]

Namaste Holding the balcony grill , gives me a good grip. Am having osteoporosis, Sir kindly guide me if I can try this deep squat, it really hurts my knees, will it alleviate with regular practise? Thank you Good day!

[@kramkalisthenics]

When I moved to Italy in '86. There are *no* western toilets there!

[@hgg324]

A squat toilet when I was in Japan.

[@Bazilisk_AU]

In a crowded Train in peak hour traffic when I was a little schoolboy in a bus full of Businessmen and Office Ladies in suits and everything and the only space on the train was this baggage space behind the driver which was empty and as more people got on the bus I just hopped up and curled up in a tucked ball in that little baggage compartment. A few people gave me funny looks but honestly the little space I was occupying before was already filled and there were already more passengers that were standing on the red ‘no standing’ zone, and even the driver was about to say something like “Oi ! git diwn frim thier” (this was in Suburban Sydney, Australia by the way) but it was more packed than a Japanese subway on a Monday morning. Nowadays I sit on my Gaming chair squatting or tucked or kneeling or half-kneeling or in butterfly or lotus or in that weird stretch where you have your knee under your chin and your leg across your chest, crossed over your other leg because I can’t sit in one position for too long.

[@InappropriateShorts]

Knees over toes guy has the best name that destroys the old argument

[@frankshattuck1975]

I am 79 and I told my daughter today after viewing your video that my goal was on my 80th birthday to eat a piece of cake while in the asian squat.

[@MrEido08]

im 86 . im gonna try for my next birthday , 3 months. and im very inflexible . Ill do what ican. .thx forthe incentive

[@sarahcannon1624]

Hows it going!!??? X

[@fhedrickcaoili]

i hope you got to eat a piece of cake in an asian squat for your 80th birthday!!

[@Candolad]

Will you try and remain squatting until the cake comes out the other end? 😃😃😃

[@kaypierce8593]

By the time I turn 66 I want. To be able to do a Asian squat.

[@jamesbrown8766]

I’m 62 years old, and I’ve had problems with my knees all my life. I recently started practicing the primal squat, and after 5 minutes of squatting, my knees feel really good. They used to pop all the time, but now after squatting, they feel more comfortable and they don’t pop. My ankles and calves are still a bit stiff, so I ease into the squat and let things gently stretch. Then once I’m comfortable, it’s easy to just hang out in the squat. I really don’t want to end up as someone who can’t get up off the floor or even off the toilet without help when I’m 90, so I try to keep strong and flexible. The squat has become my favorite exercise.

[@kramkalisthenics]

Awesome James! I'm 64 and have been ATG squatting for several years, sometimes doing weighted goblet squats. Before going to full ATG squats, I tried every other kind of squat and they *all* hurt my knees. Now no problems- at all! Wishing you all the best on your fitness journey! Post 60 is a whole 'nother game. My squats yesterday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3-bZKuNiteWoqM

[@Justin.Martyr]

*How about Ass to Grass Squat???*

[@KevsGuide]

Awsome congrats. How long were you doing it before you could do 5 mins?

[@jamesbrown8766]

@@KevsGuide I don’t really know. I’ve been doing squats for strength training for years, but not going as deep as a primal squat or sitting in a primal squat until recently. And I’ve never actually timed my primal squats. I just ease into the squat and stay there until I’m either bored with it or I have something I need to do. I never sit in the squat until it becomes uncomfortable-in my experience that’s how I hurt myself. I guess I take a naturalistic and opportunistic approach to exercise. When I need to get something off the bottom shelf, I mindfully do a full squat, grab the item, and mindfully stand back up. When I brush my teeth, I do it in a primal squat. When I’m at the desk for work, I set a Pomodoro timer and do a couple of stretches or squats every 25 minutes. That sort of thing.

[@Uprighthealth]

THANKS FOR SHARING THIS!

[@phobowl]

I’m a geriatric physician and treat many pts who’s recovering from hip/ knee/ and back injuries. Being able to squat is THE dividing line between independence or bed bound at an older age. Everyone needs to squat deeply esp as you age. Learn to do it gradually and safely but it’s a crucial skill that has to be maintained.

[@plumeria66]

My mom is 83 and she has been hanging out squatting all her life. Especially when she is doing floor cleaning. She lives independently, walks every morning, plays ping pong every day, and does her stretching daily.

[@ls-l1518]

Are you sayiing, an old person who can't squat is bedridden? Because that is not true at all.

[@lydialove382]

@@Bloozguy I’m struggling with the concept though that a squat 90degrees parallel to the floor is far far far different to a bum to floor squat. I can struggle to do parallel to floor squat (with crunchy knees) but my knees simply limit further angulation of the squat My backs of knees can NOT touch my calves at all no matter how hard I try. My knees won’t angle further. This is the issue .... how to progress to this bum to floor squat.........???...??

[@lydialove382]

@@Bloozguy Thankyou for your encouraging explanations and visuals in the video (you are in great shape) I’ll be looking into Keto today and while I’m MILES behind you in my abilities I hear you, and will endeavour with baby steps, eating well and gradually building some strength 🙂

[@lydialove382]

@@Bloozguy I’ll,remember your wise words “a little goes a long way”✨

[@stephenstrutner2716]

Profound revelation, with huge benefit for me. My HMO, physical therapists, and athletic trainers have not delivered over decades what you did in 13 minutes.

[@Uprighthealth]

WOW! Thank you very much!

[@DiegoWeissel]

Congrats! you discovered the immense ""american"" ignorance

[@JoeBoutilier]

Isn’t this the truth!

[@nikkijubilant]

👍👍

[@marciasinger]

Last year, waiting for a LONG time in a checkout line at a grocery store, with of course, no seating for older folks, I squatted down for a short time, to rest my back from standing on the hard floors. I was self-conscious, as this is not done here --but it oughta be! (Your 76 year old fan).

[@wendyhannan2454]

Well done Marcia, that’s fantastic. 👍

[@Paislywalls4767]

Hey, just watch a video on Walmart shoppers... I'd venture to say: seeing you squat, would seem right as rain! Hope you have a great day. 🍃🕊🍃

[@pearlosibu]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I’m from Nigeria and indeed, we grew up squatting to do everything; play, eat, pee, number 2 etc. But then I moved to a big city (Lagos) and haven’t done this in over 15years. In the US NOW. I started going to the gym recently and been having trouble with my knees. It’s researching that that led me to this channel. The moment I started watching I checked to see if I still can and indeed I can. I’m so happy. I’m a writer and realized also that I can write in this position. I’m grateful. We lose so much moving along in the fast pace of the world.

[@meaghanharper5143]

Hi, I'm a PT! We are taught in school about the increased in patellar joint facet pressure and patellar tendon loading strain when you squat with your knees in front of your toes. Like you noted, we primarily give this instruction to people moving from standing to 90 degree squat because the majority of American people have weak hips and start a squat incorrectly, trying to avoid loading their hips. We also instruct avoiding loaded exercise (with weights) in those deep squats to avoid knee meniscus tears. All that said, I completely agree that the human squat position is natural and indeed necessary for general function and proper defecation. Our patients are usually very far from reaching that goal, and a human squat has not been deemed necessary for PT intervention by insurance companies, so I can't set it as a goal (their idea being that chair sitting is enough). You're completely right that athletes, dancers, etc need strength and stability in all parts of their range of motion, including with knees over toes. Thanks for the videos!

[@alanc4264]

I'm a male, westerner and 69 years old. In the last year I have trained my body to get into the squat position and hold it for 5 minutes or so. I did this because I will be going back to Asai after COVID is finally over and I need to be able to use public toilets that are often squat toilets. I have 1 knee problem from an old failed operation and it has not stopped me achieving this position.

[@jamesbrown1674]

I'm 58 years old and just finding out now about the benefits of the Asian Squat! Thank you for your expertise.

[@potts7976]

Thank you, thank you, thank you....I used to do gymnastics in my teens. I swore I would always keep in shape. Then life got in the way. I tried a shallow squat a while back and it felt like the muscles around my knees were going to tear. I now have my first grandchild and had to spend a day looking after him. All that heavy lifting.... LOL, he's only about 18 pounds. I was really sore. I'm going to be looking after him full time in about 8 months and decided I need to go into training for it. It's amazing how many people tell you that you can't do something because you're 70. I know for a fact that's not true. Age shouldn't matter. I'm so glad I found your channel. Thanks again.

[@malaik9]

O started squatting a few months back ever since my digestive process have been improved. I now do it 30 minutes a day with 5 and 7 minutes at a time. I'm still developing the strength to get in and out of the position. Love it. ❤ thanks for sharing

[@BigDSProductions]

If you have full height toilets, I suggest getting the "squatty potty" as well. It brings that squat that's helped your digestion into the bathroom. It certainly helped me become more regular.

[@manjitrupbikram]

I'm Indian. I used to love sitting in the Asian squat. I was shamed into not sitting in this position as everyone said it was bad for the knees. Western style toilets have compounded the problem. I've almost lost it , but I'm trying to get back my ancestral abilities.🙏🙏🙏

[@knittingknut]

I am 70 Year’s old. I can do a deep squat but it does hurt my knees. I especially notice it when I’m getting down and standing up from the squat. I also don’t feel comfortable hanging out in a deep squat. I get down there no problem but I can’t wait to get out of the squat because it’s not comfortable. This video inspires me to practice more.

[@sweetdarlanddan]

I’m 49 I just did this resting squat for ten minutes. It was hard to get up. But after relaxing for a bit. I just stepped under the railing on my deck without crawling which normally I need to get on all fours. I’m sensing a massive increase in flexibility already. This is new daily for me.

[@bruceryan7243]

What I like best about these exercises is that they hit so many muscles at once. I even feel my stomach muscles getting stronger. Thanks for sharing these with us!

[@Justin.Martyr]

*How about Ass to Grass Squat???*

[@aghoghoodudu7803]

@@Justin.Martyr ATG is same thing its a low full range squat

[@ksgraham3477]

Ouch! 65 yrs old, on my first try I couldn't get all the way down, but pretty good for a westerner. I remember my grandpa squatting in his garden. My knees started getting crunchy this past year, so I look forward to trying this more. It's intuitive.

[@denisecatlett7203]

This is true. I have been having undiagnosed knee pain for about 4 years. I heard that practicing the deep squat can help your knees, hips and back. So of course I tried it. It was very hard at first. It took me a good month to get down to full squat relatively comfortable. My leg muscle are stronger, my hips no longer hurt and my lower back is much improved. I’m amazed how strong and balanced I feel while coming out of the squat. Another benefit I have found is I can sit on floor with legs crossed without pain.

[@DannerPlace]

I've been doing daily yoga for 5 years, now watching your vids, I quickly gained the ability to relax in a primal squat, and I've added it to my daily yoga routine. It's a wonderful thing. Thank you so much. BTW, I'm 70.

[@marksands1861]

I am a western male and I am lucky enough to have natural flexibility far beyond my western friends.. I can easily get into the Asian squat position and I find it to be rather comfortable. I have also been working on the Horse stance for strength in that region of the body. I find that flexibility in the hip region has a great deal to do with my ability to move easier and smoothly when doing everyday tasks. I do not "moan and groan" when bending down to let say picking up something off the floor (something my friends do on a regular basis). So I guess what I'm trying to say is that working towards doing a proper Asian squat will help make daily movements a little bit easier do. Thanks for your videos. I find them very helpful indeed.

[@inezy6329]

As an Asian, another method to pick up things from the floor is using our toes..try it..u don't even have to bend down..

[@lynneforbes4420]

I can’t thank you enough! I’ve been having excruciating pain in both feet making it impossible for me to walk, going downstairs was agony, I couldn’t bend my ankles . I did all the exercises I found plus ice packs , foot baths. Nothing worked. Then I just happened to see a video in which you address the Achilles’ tendon , gently pinching & massaging it to unblock them. It worked! I can’t tell you the relief on being able to walk normally and pain free again ! I cancelled the app I’d made with an orthaepaedic surgeon and am now walking comfortably on average 4-5 kms daily . Thank you from the heart!

[@naturalnashuan]

Thanks for your info. My husband was told that he needed to have a perforation procedure on his Achilles. The poking holes in the tendon procedure is as much of a sham as it sounds like. I've been searching for natural techniques. I'll look for the video you mentioned.😊

[@bethdealmeida6789]

I purposely and mindfully use this position cleaning floors and gardening...now training myself to do it leisurely. Thanks for reminding me to keep practicing!

[@markie9739]

Thank you so much for this video!! I was shocked when my physiotherapist which I went to several months ago because of my left hip pain told me that a squat is a very unhealthy position for the knees and lower back. I immediately argued how a position that feels so natural, comfortable and can be seen all over the Non-Western world could be harmfu but he insisted, therefore sowed a huge seed of doubt in my mind and had me stopped going in a squat. Thank you so much for your clarification!

[@melvinharrison1140]

Hi, I’m a 66 years old black man and I really want to get the full range of motion when I squat at different foot position. I started back quad roller skating and doing the primal squat strengthen my legs, core and more importantly my balance and stability. I baby sit my 2 and 5 year old grandchildren and I need to get down like them and get up like them. I don’t want to be one of those seniors that fall and can’t get up. Thank you for sharing.

[@channelnummer5493]

A fantastic exercise! I (57) had severe knee pain - on the inside of my knees - which got so bad that I couldn't walk down the stairs. I had to cancel jogging for more than two years. The orthopaedists had no suitable advice. But then I discovered this exercise by chance and tried it carefully, and the pain vanished step by step after just a few weeks, by doing this exercise for about two or three minutes a day. I couldn't hardly believe it, but it worked. Even after the first days, my knees felt remarkably better. At first I could barely bend my knees, but with daily practice, after a few months I was sitting as low as Matt Hsu in this video. Today I can run ten miles and more again - without any knee problems. Thanks to the deep squat!

[@marthab3364]

It hadn't occurred to me this wasn't something everyone did until I was in a childbirth class during my first pregnancy - where I was the only one who could pop this squat without a second thought ... my mom is Asian and still squats while she gardens (she's in her 80s) ... I'm glad I grew up doing this and continue to do so to this day ...

[@catherineblair1221]

It's a good skill to have for gardening.

[@komiczar]

Squatting is mentioned in the "Blues Zones" as a habit that improves cardio-vascular health, enhances quality of Living and may improve longevity.

[@NoxCattus]

Thanks! It's like you read my mind. I had tried to do the Asian squat after one of your other videos last night and had immediately thought I was going to damage my knees having them out so far (my form is pretty bad, but it was my first time attempt)...

[@kbird2703]

I always suspected this (Asian Squat) to be the single most crucial position defining effective mobility as we age. Thanks for putting this in common sense words.

[@aubergineaura9441]

I love your work. It has helped me so much. Please consider doing a series for creating full-body flexibility and strength for people 50+, especially core and lower back strength and mobility.

[@monicac.495]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏 My knees have been hurting for 6 month. Tried this - half way down, a few times and can already feel the difference 🤩🤗🤩

[@teresabach2069]

I am 67. This has been a real game changer for me! I am 1 month into this ability to squat. I am so thankful to find Hsu and learn this life changing health benefit!

[@hervejean9262]

I’m an 77 years old traumatology physician, and I started this natural squat 1 year ago, and I can confirm that this video will be very useful for everybody ,The essential precaution, being to start very progressively because your tissues and joints must get the time to adapt.great video!

[@dalegreer3095]

Deep squatting has improved my knees and my back. I started doing it when I was around 50, I think. Now I'm 65 and my knees are less noisy than back then. And the stretch on my lower back feels so good.

[@maxcat479]

Squatting is something that went with childhood, but it is a revelation that some people are unable to do it. At 65, on seeing this I had to give it a try to see and thankfully I was able to do it, not so pristine knees and all.

[@Jerrel.A]

Have fixed my sore knees with walking lunges in maximum stretch mode, while keeping both feet flat and connected to the ground. Did this for six weeks and was able to start running again. In the second week of running I could run 5 km and in the 4th week 7.5 km. Have done the opposite to the advice of the physiotherapy doctor, who said that it was arthritis. I feel 5% of the pain now and expect it to decrease to zero. Will keep doing the walking lunges forever!

[@aliberni]

Love doing this squat again. I remember doing this all the time as a child and in my younger 20s but somewhere along the line it dropped off. Now in my 50s and rediscovering how useful and comfortable this position can be. I do this at work often instead of bending over and it keeps my back from hurting.

[@eternal_nomad]

I'm in this position constantly as an avid farmer/gardener. I had no idea it was hard for other people! And glad that I intuitively knew the correct position to keep my body in.

[@nathanliteroy9835]

I've listened to anthropologist, and apparently there's a reason for this - when you squat a lot, the bones that are near the knees gradually change shape, ligaments lengthen, etc. This is the way anthropologists define if particular culture has a tradition of squatting or not, and what particular people were doing when they were alive. Until the process ends, it's not as comfortable to squat, so when you started to do it, yo haven't probably noticed discomfort over general soreness from working, whereas people who do squat as an exercise are less motivated to just sit down, since the goal is weak, and since they do less, they can isolate discomfort more easily.

[@honeytang3066]

It's amazing what ignorance can do for your body...lolz And how doth the garden grow?

[@nathanliteroy9835]

@@honeytang3066 "Ignorance"?

[@CephlonMayngrum]

@@nathanliteroy9835 so your saying squating is for lowered beings

[@nathanliteroy9835]

@@CephlonMayngrum Physically lowered, yes

[@winstonallen6933]

It took about a week of cautiously trying to get into this position, but I'm there! The hardest part for me was getting my ankles to the ground. Now I'm working on your hip flexer drills to stay in the position longer, which isn't very long right now. But I feel extremely confident I'll have this nailed within 3-4 weeks. Big thumbs up and subscribe!

[@eliora9108]

A few years ago, I had an issue come up with my knee and ankle, where they kept popping suddenly, on the outside (the knee) and my ankle hurt. I went to my chiropractor and he asked if I'd done any hip flexor exercises. I used to do them daily until about just a year prior, right after having my baby. He told me that not doing them had caused weakness in my knee bc my hip was too tight now and told me to do them again. As soon as I did, my knee stopped having the issue. This proved to me that hip mobility plays a HUGE role in knee and ankle issues. I used to be able to squat like this just a few years ago too (I'm in my late 40's) but know I have lost that. I now want to get back to this. Thanks for the vid.

[@mscherri99]

You make a lot of sense!! I'm making positive changes because of your channel😊

[@Justin.Martyr]

*How about Ass to Grass Squat???*

[@melissacole4903]

I found your videos a few weeks ago. It’s great. First 3-4 days had to stabilize, but now it’s amazing. I can only do a few minutes but it’s amazing. I can already feel a great improvement. Thank you!

[@heather_bee]

The algorithm is crazy! I use this squat in everyday life nearly everyday and here you are! Thanks 😄

[@yokeliew8550]

I’m still squating at 70! Testament to my squating days brought up in Malaysia 😊

[@joanpolak1810]

Hi, I'm 70+ and I have had some issues with my intestines 1, 2 years ago, and now I have some issues with my balance and that result in sometimes falling while walking, especially on my right knee. I think that the exercises that you show will be helpful for me in strengthening my knee. Thank you so far!

[@FM-qm5xs]

I never realized other westerners struggled getting into a nice deep squat. I have always just naturally squatted when outdoors and sick of standing or sometimes to give my back a nice stretch out. I can't stay in the position for more than a few minutes though. It feels like too much weight on my ankles. Perhaps if I practice i could stay squatting for longer. It is a very comfortable position in general.

[@cwong6204]

Do you squat with your feet flat on the ground, or do you lift your heels and rest the squat on the balls of your feet? If you squat with the heels on the ground, you shouldn’t feel too much weight on your ankles. You need flexible ankles though. Calves and Achilles’ tendons can’t be too stiff.

[@FM-qm5xs]

@@cwong6204 Mostly with flat feet but I find myself rocking up onto the balls of my feet after a while when my ankles start feeling uncomfortable. Perhaps I just need to try squatting for longer rather than just ending up sitting in the garden lol.

[@paulgoogol2652]

I can just sit on the ground. Why do we have thick butt cheeks if we don't use them?

[@oolala53]

I admit that when I changed out the toilet in my place, I put in a taller one. It’s called comfort height. I noticed the difference when I go to public toilets because I often feel like I’m falling those last few inches! But I can’t blame my lack of ability to squad on that. I lived in the Middle East in my mid 20s and I couldn’t squat then. It’s very hard to have your old age in mind when you’re young but now that I’m 70, I am, of course, wishing I had handled some things differently. I go through times of trying out activities like this, but often feel that the progress is so slow, that I lose my motivation. But I listened to this this morning and spent time in a supported squat for a bit. I’ll work my way up to it! I saw a Japanese film last week, in which an older guy was able to drop his knees to the floor and sit back on his heels, then getting up without having to use his hands. I’m going to be 71 in September. I wonder if I can do that by then?

[@lanahicks8388]

Thanks for these videos! I'm 53, and going on a 9-day backpacking trek this summer. I know I need more strength, stability, and flexibility in my hips, knees, and ankles so that I have less likelihood of falling while carrying my pack. I just tried the Asian squat, I can feel already how it's working my muscles in those areas. 😁 It will be a simple thing I can add in my daily routine to help me prepare.

[@Uprighthealth]

Good luck and thanks for your support, Lana! 💪

[@susangale4586]

Thank you so much…almost 63, doing this exercise everyday. Makes sense🙏

[@Uprighthealth]

You're so welcome! And we're rooting for ya!

[@geoffrogers276]

Thanks! I am mid 60's and have had the working belief that it would be bad for me. My grandchildren do this all the time and I look forward to joining them at their level and more comfortable than kneeling.

[@sparkyswearsalot]

So happy to have found you. I'm 51 and determined to get back in shape. I learned that it isn't bad to put the knees over the toes from squat university. It's nice to see someone else talking about it. You have a new subscriber.

[@lorraineclement7279]

Hi I’m 61 and have no cartilage in my knees, been told I need knee replacements. I can’t kneel as it so painful. I am going to try your exercises and see how I go. I used to squat all the time when I was younger, then work came along. Thank you for your advice ♥️

[@richardhosea7590]

Did it work for you? My mom has similar knee issues

[@lorraineclement7279]

@@richardhosea7590 I do these every day to the best of my ability, I feel it is helping, baby steps

[@pattip1413]

@@lorraineclement7279 any updates? I wishing you the best!

[@njeriweru1980]

People should stop talking about things they do not know. I watched a Korean Series called My Only One. I was shocked! at how the aged were able to sit and get up off the floor without a pause!!! Squats bad for you?!?!? In which world?!?? 😱 They did not learn to do that in their old age! They have practiced it all their lives!! I have recently lost a lot of weight and in my eagerness to completely change myself, I fixed myself into a bad knee and plantaar fasciitis; in both feet. 🤦🏾‍♀ I enjoyed squats. I have been advised to stop them; I am rethinking doctor's orders! (Don't worry. I won't. 😏) Great video. I can't wait to do squats again. Er.... While we are here may I ask, I noticed on My Only One that Koreans take huge bites of food at a time. 😆 Why is this? I loved the series. Korea is so, so beautiful.

[@thomasbeauchamp3781]

51-year-old martial artist and personal trainer here. When it comes to squat depth, I've always differentiated between body-weight squats and weighted squats. For body-weight, dropping into an Asian squat is great for knee strength and ankle/knee/hip mobility. Now imagine trying to stand up from an Asian squat with 135 pounds sitting on your upper back. That's when I recommend the knees don't go past the toes.

[@tiffariff]

Such a good point! And so many personal trainers don’t factor in their clients body weight- they expect them to just fine with added weights like them! (When they already do! it’s their body)

[@tiffariff]

I’m trying to get my certification but haven’t decided on NASM or ISSA, any recommendations?

[@Uprighthealth]

There's no reason you *can't* do such a deep squat with weight....BUT if you do a deep ATG squat with weight, you BETTER train it GRADUALLY or you're gonna get hurt! 😀💪.

[@Iquey]

Yeah this makes way more sense.

[@roadrunnerchickadee]

@@Uprighthealth the only problem with a weighted deep squat is the very bottom where you can lose tension, this absolutely places you in danger, you want to stay engaged to safely squat heavy weight, parallel is far more ideal because the back and legs maintain posture with a high range of motion, other than that i warmup with deep squats, even increasing the range by leaning forward from a deep squat and stretching the low back so i know if there's and discomfort impingement etc

[@douglasasselstine7497]

I use to be able to jump over a building in a single bound, but now I'm thinking that I'm on the right track listening to you. Thank you for the heads up!

[@sydney6268]

This is extremely interesting. I've had some knee problems for a long time even though I'm in my 20s because I'm pigeon-toed. I was surprised how much PT for my IT band pain helped, but I found a lot of those exercises started to hurt other parts of my knees. I'm excited to incorporate the deep squat and see whether that helps!

[@michaelkennedy9108]

when i squated down when i was a kid i got yelled at by my parents and told not to do that because it would cripple me later in life .is it possible for a 60 yr old man to get the ability to squat again Iv'e gotten lied to most of my life apparently .that sucks I'm used to hiking climbing and sparing now i can hardly walk everybody i know keeps telling me to rest pushing towards hip and knee replacement i do not want these operations it would probably kill me i have been trying to find a way out of this nightmare glad i finally got internet access .hopefully i can get back to being mobile again can't trust anyone in vegas .good to know that people like you care enough to make good advice availlable to everyone .your right about the care system in america everybody only cares about themselves and will bullshit anybody to get ahead.the education in this country needs an overhaul. thank u again

[@brocksteele7475]

As a westerner whose legs are VERY bad when it comes to mobility, I can say that the "don't let your knees drift past your toes" cue has been very helpful during my heavy lifting exercises. However, my job occasionally puts me in a situation where I need to put my head as close to the ground as possible. Sometimes I get lucky enough to wind up in a Primal Squat position and. . . it works. Really well, in fact. It's especially helpful in the situations where I'm on a grated mezzanine, where kneeling or four-posting is just a painful experience. I can (slightly uncomfortably) squat down and grab the parts that I need without RUINING my legs, hands, or arms. What I'm saying is that, while I haven't "perfected" the primal squat, it DOES occasionally pop up in my life and it's extremely helpful when I can use it. Long story short: STRONG legs (in every aspect) results in FANTASTIC flexibility. Work it OUT and you'll be better off.

[@TerriblePerfection]

Such a great video! I'm 66 and enjoy squatting. I do hear a noise from one knee when I get up, but there's no pain.

[@thekueken]

I've been having problems and pain in my knees since my teens, inflammation symptoms but no doctor can find the cause. I've also always been able to do the squat without even thinking about it. Only now, approaching 40, ppl started commenting that my squatting looked "unnatural" to them, as in someone my age "should not be this flexible". Before watching this video I've had a medium bad day with my knees... They've been stiff and aching again, but the video had me check if my squat really was the one described - it is to a T, and has always been comfortable to me. And not only that, coming out of the squat after staying comfortably in it for a few minutes, my knees stopped hurting o.O I'll certainly keep an eye on this. Maybe a positive correlation? Or maybe it was a fluke? ...either way, I don't see myself stop squatting like this, since I have never associated my knee situation getting worse from it (I only may have so far consciously avoided the squat when the pain was more prominent). It's a comfortable resting position when waiting outdoors or in a cue (gives me some funny looks, but comfy is comfy) or is a safe holding position when my blood pressure drops. And, yeah, it's a great position to engage children and animals in :D

[@CL-rm6sb]

>inflammation symptoms but no doctor can find the cause Any other areas of the body share this feature? Could be autoimmune related and if so you want to get ahead of it.

[@thekueken]

@@CL-rm6sb yes, sorta? I've always had issues with my body... My throat gets badly sore for a day (since I was a kid) when / before I get a flu (even when everybody else just goes straight to the sniffles), lymph nodes swell up sometimes you can see them from the outside. I have joint pains in my wrists and neck as well, have to support and keep my mousehand's wrist warm or I can't move it anymore without intense pain. Since I had the knee pains since my early teens (first it was assumed it was just growth related but alas, it prevailed) I've had several marathons to various doctors in my life. Had been tested for arthritis and rheuma in my late 20's, but no indicators were found in my blood works. Even with the sore throat, several times my docs were like "this happens a lot, we should do some blood tests" but the results then showed barely if any inflammation markers (when they drew the blood while my lymphs were swollen). I was actually delighted a month back when I had a kidney stone (not the happy part, that part was hell, but it went off on its own within 24 hours) and my blood work for once showed inflammation markers. Apparently my thyroid looks unusual in ultra sound (almost like hashimoto?) but again, the blood work came back negative for that too, and anything else he had checked while at it (hence my doc dropped the matter altogether). According tomy blood works, I have no problems. Which stops doctors from looking further as to what causes the symptoms. So, frustrated, I live with it, try to work my ways around the mess and pains, some of which are a constant, others come and go. ...the squat doesn't make it worse, and when it's just the constant aches even seems to help. Is not helping when the knees are acting up with more severe, infrequent pains, tho.

[@CL-rm6sb]

@@thekueken Your symptoms sound possibly autoimmune to me, in particular: psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. It is quite common for people with these ailments (I'm one) to have totally normal labs, meaning no elevated ESR or CRP, but still have active inflammation in the body (particularly enthesitis and/or SI joint pain). Push for an HLA-B27 test (again, this can also be negative), pelvic and cervical MRI, and if possible another rheumy to take a look. With these diseases the knee stuff is typically enthesitis related and one feels pain where the tendons attach to the knee and sometimes above and below the kneecap where the quad and patellar tendons attach. It also likes to migrate/move around or otherwise be intermittent - alot of times with no preceding injury or stress. Over time, if left untreated, it basically destroys your joints.

[@thekueken]

@@CL-rm6sb Thanks for the tip I'll (hopefully get my doc to) look into it!

[@joycelynliebel3645]

Thank you thank you for clarifying something I've long wondered about. Watching toddlers doing this naturally but then losing the ease in our western household & seeing my Korean SIL doing it for gardening & cooking I've long suspected this but never had verification. Now in my 70s post hip replacement I will give it an attempt after seeing my Dr next week.

[@Mr.BobsDog]

Living as a westerner, it’s challenging. I can ‘human squat’ as low as you, but my balance continues to push me backwards, I have to consciously lean forward as to not fall back. Haha fun times 🤗 Thanks for the video

[@Coopdog1911]

I started off doing 6-7 slow deep squats, and felt it in my ankles and leg muscles the most. First time I had to wait 3 days or so until the soreness got a little better, now I can do 25, and later in the day a couple times I have got up to 50 the second set up into 15 and ten about 5 minutes later. I want to get to where I can do 25 in the morning and 25 at night. I feel so much better I can't tell you how much it has helped. I'm overweight and 57 years old, and I needed to get my legs back under me. Thank you.

[@Vfhhfjhgfhhjchhg]

gracias hermano, un gran abrazo

[@Doing_Time]

I think height, weight, and weight distribution are major factors in the safety of the position.

[@erebus015]

I am from the US and I thought this type of squat was common and nothing special until I got older and learned that many people here have issues doing this type of squat. To me this type of squat always felt natural. I am pretty tall myself so I learned to squat this way to get things from the floor and low shelves/cabinets. Again, this type of squat always felt natural and functional. Plus, I've never had any problem doing it. One last thing - I also played baseball as a kid, and although I didn't play as a catcher, this type of squat is basically how catchers sit.

[@plumeria66]

Yes, I noticed that catchers squat. Do you think you kept squatting since you were a baby and just never stopped? All babies start out squatting naturally. Most adults who can’t squat stopped doing it after childhood.

[@2003garyb]

Just a question, why do baseball catchers have such bad knees after catching for a few years? I'm not questioning the benefits of deep squats, just wondering...I do appreciate all the information you share. You're helping me become for flexible.

[@josemiranda3976]

Maybe they don't properly squat train, bur rather get in the position only during practice and games. I've noticed most catchers don't keep their feet flat, but rather do adaptations of the squat highlighted here.

[@user-wt2ip3bo3t]

Exactly, that's why it is not very convincing to copy what professional athletes are doing. A lot of them are beat up after their career in their 30s, get hip replacement in their 40s etc. They basically optimize short-term performance for longevity - a lot of 100m runners, for instance, have a lot of anterior pelvic tilt and there is some belief that it actually is the reason for why the top guys run so much faster.

[@MrKrtek00]

Maybe the truth is between the extremes… I live in Asia, and I know many old people with terrible knee and spine conditions, which is due to traditional lifestyle, seiza, squatting etc even according to the local doctors. It is still a good thing, I believe, to reach a reasonable lower body mobility

[@jerrytaylor9048]

I am 72 years old and just found your videos. I am starting a regiment of squatting today and will let you know how it goes.

[@tiffariff]

I think the thing about don’t go too deep and keep your knees behind your toes- is for people who are not used to even squatting their own bodyweight yet. Or for people doing exercise adding weights for training- preventing this deep squat motion allows for a higher weight load without injury. If the person doesn’t know the line of “too much” they’ll likely get injured! But if it’s just a resting position- as this is- without repetition, there shouldn’t be any issues. You first should master normal body weight squats before trying the primal squat multiple times though (again how many squats isn’t as big of a factor here- but doing so with ease is important!) and ESPECIALLY before adding weight (like a backpack).

[@chnadoll1]

Love theses

[@Uprighthealth]

Thanks very much for your support!

[@roughrosa]

The key to remain in this position is to actually balance the body weight. For persons who are not doing this their entire life probably can’t see this as an important point and don’t know how to do it. For persons who have been doing this their entire life, however probably don’t see it as well because the weight balancing is very intuitive so they don’t think about it. It’s like walking or riding bicycle for them, no effort whatsoever. To achieve this weight balance is when the body has to be totally relaxed, so it will find it’s own equilibrium. Hence, the rounding of the back. But of course first you need the muscle to support this squat. The second important key is the hip, most people are scared to open up the hip as wide as possible. People don’t realise that most of our weight falls on our hip even when standing. It is the same for sitting/squatting. Same principle. Not the knees, the calf or the ankles! So, if I could leave some tips, that it would be to balance naturally and engage that hip. - I am Asian who squats her entire life.

[@naturalnashuan]

I would like to add something. After you learn balance on a floor try a soft slightly sloping area outdoors. Try different slopes to learn to counter-balance. It may help people to learn to stay upright instead of falling in daily life accidents.

Thanks for your great work!

[@Uprighthealth]

Thanks for your support!

[@ricos1497]

Great video. I'm getting there with my squat, just my right ankle (broken 3 times!) that is refusing to conform. I have a ruptured ligament in that ankle, so I'm guessing that could be blocking things, but I'm definitely noticing improvement and I know to stop if I feel anything untoward. The biggest difficulty I have is exactly what you outline in the video. Everything around me is designed to work against squatting. Whether it's my sofa, my work desk (it can be a standing desk, but doesn't lower to squat level), public transport, restaurants, cinemas (think I might open the first squatting cinema!!!) etc etc. It does seem that we have designed our society in the West (I'm in the UK) to work directly against the human form! Whether it's the abundance of chairs, or the design of everything to revolve around the car, the natural "built-in" bodily exercises have been built out by design. To the extent that we've had to create gyms to make up for that error. Our colons weren't designed for shitting in the Western toilet style either. Anyone for a coffee enema?

[@keiths2902]

I ride my bicycle and am a toe-walker (I'm autistic), I put most of my weight on the front of my foot. At first I tried this, but my heels were raised because, again, I balance on the front of my feet. But I tried this by getting into it by doing a squat, like the exercise, and was able to do it for a minute. It feels so nice stretching my leg muscles this way. Thank you!

[@Yusuf-fh5tr]

This sitting position always makes my back and hip feel so good. Im 55 years old.

[@Stormbrise]

Thanks for answering this question for me. I was watching a friends baby squat while visiting them for dinner. I am having issues with my right knee, so I will download your strength exercises to get there. I want to be able to squat comfortably for photography, since I love to take photos of flowers.

[@Flashahol]

250 lbs and I can do this for a few minutes at a time. I preach Yoga, floor and body weight exercises before any other exercise. Anyone trying to help me up when (if) I fall nearly gets a headbutt when I spring up. IMO, If you can`t handle yourself on the ground, you can`t handle yourself period.

[@deberebor]

I've been scared to do this. I'm a senior with a bit of arthritis, and my knees often complain on staircases. Sometimes I pop my right knee and need a brace for a couple of days. So, I was sure I would blow out both knees doing the squat. And the first time I tested it, I freaked out and stopped before I was half way down. Then I started thinking about it. I meditate every single day in easy pose, with knees sharply bent, and I have plenty of knee flexibility due to that. So ... the problem must be muscle strength. I tried again, and put my weight on my hands between my feet and sure enough ... I could go all the way down on the squat. No problem with shin flexibility or hip flexibility. I could get into the posture easily. The only danger seemed to be putting all my weight on my legs. So, it's all about muscle strength for me! Going to practice this using hands til I build up. Thanks for the video!!

[@maplenook]

Middle aged white woman here. I’ve been squatting my whole life. Also I’ve been ignoring doctors for decades, they’re literally poisoning people. I was squatting for botanical research. Now I squat in the garden, kitchen, anytime I want to sit and there’s no chair. I’m quite overweight and still have no problem squatting.

[@NewEarthWellness]

I've been working towards doing it and am very close. I'm to where a throw rug is all i need under my heels. I've always sat with my feet tucked under me so my knees are already flexable. I've enjoyed your training videos for this. My husband has always been able to do the squat. I had lost a little of my flexability in one ankle 3 years ago after an injury but its better. I think one problem many westerners have is too much fat which makes it mechanically impossible. It is like trying to open a door wide with a large chair chair behind it. They are bumping into obstructions. Weight loss with a whole plant vegan diet should be their first step.

[@cerebralxlns5042]

Weight isn’t a limiting factor in most cases. It’s lack on movement. Go to third world countries, you’ll see heavy set men chilling in that squat position no problem. The issues are stated in the video. Lack of ankle mobility, hip mobility, tight quads, lack of strength coordination, and practice. Knees hurt because tendons, ligaments and connective tissues surrounding the area are not used to and accustomed to the deep squat position. Doesn’t help that the quads are tight as fuck and just making the pull around those attachment points pull even harder. It’s all about practice. My grandfather is old as hell, walks slow as F, and doesn’t look like he’s capable of much. He can get into that deep squat position with ease for a long time because that’s how they shit in third world countries.

[@tabs617]

So long as someone eats a healthy diet, meat should be okay. Many do not want to just have a vegetarian diet. Each person should make their own decision on what healthy eating is and decide for themselves if they want meat or not.

[@DK-cp2en]

For the Ladies: the Birth Squat

[@nanmartin7324]

Can't get my feet flat, knees creek but I am improving with the exercises. I need to get ready to visit China again.

[@saulweinerfinewoodworking]

Thanks, Matt! I've tried to do resting squat when remember, randomly over past 10 yrs. And recently struggling with Peroneal injury that started 2 yrs ago. But, the entire time, I'm only able to do this squat by resting on the balls of my feet. What's the best way to get better? Start from there? Or from further up?

[@jimgessner6071]

I feel like a bad Asian. I’ve never been able to do the Asian squat. Meanwhile my two year old son, who is mostly Irish, does it all the time.

[@Justin.Martyr]

*How about Ass to Grass Squat???*

[@j_grieshaber]

It's funny I always heard it called a "yoga" squat I guess because I learned it in yoga class. I was extremely grateful for learning it when I went to Italy and saw my first squat toilet, I was like "yes! I got this!"

[@NazFanz]

The problem I'm having is that, while in this squat, my lower body ends up falling asleep. How does one keep good circulation while in this position?

[@josemiranda3976]

I experience the same thing. Getting into the squat is easy for me. It's the stamina to stay there that gets me. My muscles will tire out or I'll get the tingly sensation. I don't fight through it. I'll adjust by not doing as deep a squat, leaning my back against a wall or something firm, or getting up and squatting again once the tingling has gone. My stamina has improved both in the muscles and overcoming the circulation issue in the three weeks since I started practicing the squat. I used to get numb in the legs sitting for too long on my western toilet and that has improved too!

[@NazFanz]

@@josemiranda3976, thank you! Can you post some videos of what exactly you do?

[@estrafalario5612]

Are you overweighted? That could be a reason. Not because of the weight itself but of the volume of the thights against the calves

[@NazFanz]

@@estrafalario5612, nope, I'm 5' 8" and 155 lbs. In good shape and healthy.

[@estrafalario5612]

@@NazFanz I'm healthy and active (I like mountainering) but overweighted, and I suspect that's the reason I got my legs numb after long squats. Tell us if you find out a better explaination!

[@68tegdirb]

I've always wondered about this kind of squat. So I should listen more to my questions. Thanks for info. Great to know!

[@200Nora]

We were designed to squat. Look at very young children. They do it all the time, no problem. Our habits, jobs, and society's expectations are crippling our bodies and mind.

[@SoldierDrew]

In the U.S. Army we called this the kimchi squat.

[@Lasse3]

Lmao went into this Asian squat. My knees were behind the entire foot, still managed to get my butt all the way down though. But my weight is so tilted backwards, because I'm unable to get the knees infront of the foot 🤣 it's extremely insufferable 🤣

[@kramkalisthenics]

I began re-training at 59. *Every* type of squat hurt my knees, until I discovered that the ATG "asian" squat were the *only* squats that *didn't* hurt my knees! Now I'm working with half my bodyweight ATG at 64 years old: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYKplHaEn5ehe5I

[@kramkalisthenics]

^Older Westerner squatting to a 6 inch depth with 80 lbs.

[@user-wt2ip3bo3t]

since you're posting it, I will give some unsolicited feedback to hopefully prevent injury. 1) the way to do what is essentially a box squat variation is to take a short break at the bottom and then come up explosively. But you're basically bouncing up from the bottom and in that moment the bottom of your spine takes a huge amount of force and gets compressed, which is not a good thing. 2) it looks like you're rounding your back a lot going up (cant tell from the front, but looks like it) 3) it looks like your right side is far stronger, you're not coming up with equal weight on both sides (see at 2:10 the block isnt even in the middle because you're automatically moving to the stronger right side).

[@kramkalisthenics]

@@user-wt2ip3bo3t Thanks for this! I will work on improving! Appreciate the feedback. 🙏

[@kramkalisthenics]

@@user-wt2ip3bo3t So I tried to address my form issues, lots of side views. Thanks again for the critique. I actually squat lower than 6 inches now from not using the block. 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3-bZKuNiteWoqM

[@yvetteblalock]

When you realizing you’re one squat away from being human

[@milou66]

I want all my money back from my chiropractor. It was all a sham that did zero for me.

[@StephanieBacks]

a lot of places around the world, this is how women give birth. europeans did too until doctors insisted on getting involved and deciding to put women on their backs.

[@teakok3880]

Bedankt

[@Uprighthealth]

Bedankt voor uw steun!

[@mypaldan]

I call it the dangler. Thanks!

[@Uprighthealth]

Thanks for your support!

[@MsSparklingSunbeam]

You give us the BEST information! Thank you!

[@dort5436]

I love to do the Asian squat. When my back is tight and in pain going into the squat stretches the lower back. It feels so wonderful. I do the squat on my vibration platform.

[@gergemall]

I’m so glad to find you ❤.

[@thibod07]

Finally a professional not afraid to tell the truth about the why of things so we can make our own decision. The it depends with an explanation is a much better approach than strict rules with no explanations which is the approach taken by many physicians! Your approach is very methodical. I will give it a try learning to deep squat using your advises and if I succeed I will make a donation. Fair enough? Have a pleasant day.