Why You Can't Asian Squat (And the Benefits You're Missing)

[@Blossem37]

I was born in Hong Kong of missionary parents and lived in South China, Hong Kong, and Japan a number of years. I have always considered the “Asian Squat” as a very normal posture and I still use this stance, especially when working on my car; however, now that I am 85 years of age, I have no trouble getting into the squat, but getting out of it is another story.

[@cheryl4953]

I love that this comment is so wholesome and unintentionally funny 😭😭😭😭

[@phi1688]

I hope you live long good sir! 85 years on earth, and hopefully many more.

[@Blossem37]

@@cheryl4953 Thank you for your very kind note.

[@Blossem37]

@@phi1688 I thank you too for your kind note. Old age is a big killer in my family.

[@Blossem37]

@@DecimusYna Thank you so much.

[@duzisikao]

I am Chinese and got an ankle fraction this year. After the surgery, one of the most important things my doctor concerned about is whether I can do Asian squat again. True story.

[@lamargeorge4547]

Do asians really call it the asian squat amongst each other?

[@brandonbath6097]

I don’t believe it

[@YeahAkka]

@@lamargeorge4547 lol. of course not. we simply call it 'squat'

[@nomercyinc6783]

I wouldn’t trust that doctor for anything else again. Being able to unnaturally squat isn’t important unless you shit Into holes in the ground

[@elisa4120]

@@nomercyinc6783 "unaturally" squat?? Because sitting in a desk chair is so "natural"?? Your comment sounds extremely Western-centric. He explained so much of the benefits of being able to do this, and yes, it goes beyond 'shitting into holes in the ground,' as you put it. Your comment reeks of thinly veiled racism against Asian culture. Of course, you'll protest that's not the case, but it's super obvious that's what the source of it is.

[@Nassifeh]

"Realize the process may not be comfortable and commit to it anyway" feels like the best piece of overall life advice I've seen in awhile.

[@MzSoulll]

yep, life in a nutshell lol

[@rehoboth_farm]

I can't tell you how many times I've told that to a woman.

[@dehydratedmanatee3586]

​@@rehoboth_farmyeah, advanced moves like the Piledriver and the Flying Fish can take some getting used to.

[@gailselkirksmith]

I am 70 years old from Scotland and have started to embark on the skill of squatting. This video is so helpful and has encouraged me to do this practice every day.

[@danielsmokesmids]

how’s it going? i couldnt imagine trying to bend my knees at that age, my parents already are in enough pain at 50

[@gigispridejoy380]

So, how are you doing? How long can you squat like this?

[@peterlacenski]

Please, not in a kilt

[@Chris_of_Scotland]

I'm sad to announce @gailselkirksmith has passed away.... She squated, got stuck and was discovered 4 days later , still stuck in the squad position. The family discussed popping some glass on her head and using her as a table, but, they respectfully decided to bury her..... Getting her into the coffin was a task, I won't go Into that just now. RIP Gail 💘❤💘.

[@jennifer__e]

@lokkaisa it appears to be a joke, because of how over exaggerated the details of it all are. sticking glass on the head and using a corpse as a table isn’t something most people ever think about doing in a serious manner, much less the family of the deceased. sorry to sap the fun out of it but yeah

[@beth5899]

My grandmother gardened in the “Asian Squat” position until she was in her late nineties, even though she wasn’t Asian. She just did it her whole life so it was always easy for her. She also wore cotton, flowing dresses and a wide brimmed straw hat. I remember her always looking so elegant and comfortable squatting in her large vegetable garden.😍

[@apteryx7080]

my father is in his seventies and still squats in the garden, I think I picked up the habit from him.

[@estherlam1822]

That contributed to her longevity.

[@phriedokra6158]

I asked an old lady why she always wore a flowing cotton dress to fish in...she winked and said so she could squat over a coffee can and then dump it in the lake and never miss a bite!!!

[@dann5480]

Pretty sure she learned it to please your grandfather in the bedroom.

[@rmercedes971]

This sounds like such a wonderful memory 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@JennyLouRN]

I started doing the squat over 30 years ago to prepare for natural childbirth. It works wonders for positioning the baby in the pelvis and preparing the muscles for an easier birth.

[@luckerowl8990]

@@Slater2113 what circumstances cause a person to reply like this?

[@marycanary3871]

@@luckerowl8990 misogyny, usually.

[@bc454irocz89]

Lolololol how old are you lmao

[@TheDevilockedzombie]

So was it able to help you grunt em out easier or nah?

[@malachit3741]

@@bc454irocz89 my thoughts exactly...🤨🤨

[@knitterliness]

I taught myself to do this several years ago, and have benefited greatly from it, from back pain relief and leg strength, to knowing that I will not be trapped on the floor once I get down there.

[@TyphanyGarcia]

Great 👍🏾 comment

[@lindasue8719]

Interesting, I never thought of it as a way to get back off the floor. I will have to experiment with that. I can Asian squat (down and up) from a standing position, but I do have trouble getting off the floor otherwise.

[@byronrogers4489]

How long did it take you?

[@Krolot0101]

Lmao thats great

[@Chessbox09]

I have a lot of upper back pain. Did it help with your upper or lower back?

[@Blossem37]

I decided to review all the comments to my post 11 months ago. Thank you for all the kind comments. I am now 86.5 years of age and am still in fairly good health. Just last week my wife (age 80) and I decided to try the "Asian Squat." She did not do well and I was still able to go completely down with no problem. If I don't stay in the squat long there is no problem standing up. But if I stay in this position too long, standing up is difficult. I remedy this by pushing up off my knees to get into an upright position (but then all my blood rushes to my legs and that creates another problem).

[@akikomoriyama431]

Hi sir, just a suggestion, maybe you can try to kneel down your non-dominant leg onto the ground (as long as your knee doesn’t have any serious condition that prevents you to be in that position), and then try to hold onto something stable and proceed to grab yourself up from there. Not sure if this would help but might be something to try. I attached a KZbin video that roughly shows an example of how to do it that I found online 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImngZ6Zp82fZsk

[@ZumbaShan]

My sister is an orthopedic surgeon. I haven't discussed this squatting idea with her but I intend to! What I do remember is she said the knee has flake-like pieces in the middle that need to fall back in place as one is rising: kind of like the pieces of a cooked fish fillet. I'll have to revisit this topic with her but in keeping with that idea, she suggests using your hands to help with a steady and slow rise back to standing. Don't press on the knees, rather put your hands on the ground or on a stable surface that is a bit above the ground and allow for your knees to put themselves internally back in order as you rise.

[@ZumbaShan]

@@akikomoriyama431 Yes, even use a cushion under that knee!

[@dland154]

What an ego boost! I'm a 70-year-old Caucasian and I've always been able to do it. I needed some good news today.

[@flossycee1012]

Dland Same here, I'm 69 and can do this too,it really helps with my back pain. 👍

[@lindseyh5655]

I’m 20 and half-Asian yet I can’t do this lol. Good job on being able to do it! My flexibility has always been terrible unfortunately so I’m going to try and work on it so I can do this.

[@dland154]

@@lindseyh5655 You made me smile!

[@tamarikimani5701]

My stomach is too big,i fall over and knock myself out all the time🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@dole7959]

It has nothing to do with being Caucasian lol, this squat is more known in Europe as Slav squat and a lot of people do it with no problem. First time hearing the term Asian squat.

[@ALFIE19]

I had no idea this position was even called 'the asian squat' but I've been doing it for years. Looking after kids, its a real knee saver on concrete

[@No-..]

Slav there's nothing called asian squat btw

[@davidjacobs8558]

well, if you are outdoors, and if there is no clean place to sit, "asian squat" is a way to rest for a long time, better than standing upright.

[@keremcantarhan]

I've heard of it as the slav squat, but it's just a natural way to pseudo-sit that is common among many places in the world.

[@tadicahya6439]

I don't even know how did this thing end up called Asian squad,it just a normal squad. Like does europe in middle ages never squad or something? And if they did,why they suddenly stop doing it in modern Times?

[@maverick1654]

@@tadicahya6439 because westerner stop squatting when they start using modern/western toilet where they have to sit on it. asian toilet need u to squat.

[@gccgarrett]

I was in China in 2019 for work. I was squatting to look at some wiring on a machine and one of my Chinese colleagues freaked out when he saw me in the Asian squat. He said he read an article that claimed it was physically impossible for white people to do it. It was great blowing his mind and showing how much more similar we all are.

[@randyhill4549]

Johnny Bench,Yogi Berra and I can all Asian squat. It's only because we were catchers though...

[@LagrangePoint0]

@Th Ro and then they say only white people can be racist.

[@spiritsbeyondthestars3493]

I can do the Asian squat and I'm 62 years old. And I'm Native American.

[@guildergreene1282]

holy mother of CCP racial propaganda... (edit: the article, that is)

[@CaliWeHo]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Lee-yn1by]

I was living in an multi cultural area of Australia in the early 70’s and sat like this without really thinking too much about it. I’m in my 60’s now and can still effortlessly do it.

[@cjtzioumis686]

Also known as the Slavic squat :) Actually people around the world use this position. Definitely good for flexibilty and leg strength.

[@Uprighthealth]

PREACH

[@rohiko4433]

i was gonna say I heard it called the "Slav squat" first, but its always good to learn more about anything! :>

[@eliza1826]

@@Uprighthealth come down asian dude, everyone does this. It’s not an oriental thing

[@EatMyShortsAU]

The Gopnik squat?

[@eliza1826]

@@rohiko4433 it’s the slav squat. These Oriental are always trying to claim something. It’s weird

[@Andrijko85]

Yes. The Slav squat. I'm Ukrainian, born in the USA. I've been doing this my whole life. Boggles my friends. Boggles my mind that others couldn't do it. Pistol squats are where its at. I need new track suits though..... 😅

[@Brandon-tk2rw]

respect to the gopnik community. 3 stripes for life!

[@theshanamaster]

broo i literally cant do this because my thigh muscles are fucking huge man, i cant fully put my feet flat without the tops of my thighs pushing into my stomach, i wish i coud do this lmao

[@Broockle]

I just practiced Seiza since I was little cause of all the Anime I watched all my life. Smh that also trained my ability to squat.

[@Broockle]

@@theshanamaster big thighs have nothing to do with it, just practice 1 min, then up to 2 mins, then start watching whole youtube videos in it. Then start binging Netflix in it. Might take months but you can do it I believe in you. 👍

[@clray123]

You have to add a bottle of vodka and a cig to call it a slav squat, though.

[@Yell5651]

I am 81 and had no problem doing this while watching you. What surprised me was how comfortable it was compared regular squat. Thanks for sharing. It will help me when I do gardening.

[@emilystubbs5650]

YES! Thats when I use it ALLLL the time. Its so much easier than bending over. And you wont be as sore the first few weeks of spring. Speaking of which, I do fine that by the end of the summer I can sit like this longer than in the spring lol 🤣.

[@CarolBlaneyPhD]

I thought this was the regular squat. what is the difference? thanks :D

[@leodawn5913]

Way to go lady!!!!

[@Juggler4071]

Lucky you - I suspect you've kept yourself flexible and it really pays off. I'm only in my mid-40s and it was really uncomfortable. Some calf and thigh muscles were simply refusing to cooperate.

[@cordelia7313]

Awesome!! So happy for you and exactly why I want to be able to do this. You give me hope!! When my son( 25 now) would squat this way instead of sitting when he was young when he was tired and refused to sit for fear of falling asleep and missing something or to watch Winnie the Poo for a few minutes. 😁

[@jedswenson5667]

I am 75 and have been working on this for a couple months. This has helped my back and legs alot. I have learned if your mind can visualize doing this your body will follow. Much respect!

[@nancysalerno7036]

@@jedswenson5667 I don’t remember when I stopped being able to do this. How did you start? 72 here.

[@jedswenson5667]

@@nancysalerno7036 I just started slowly.

[@ericrawson2909]

As a 67 year old Englishman, I do this all the time when I am working in my garden or on my house. I do not want to kneel and ruin my knees, which most UK tradesman seem to do. You can move around and control your movement much more easily than when sitting on the ground, and you don't get a wet and muddy backside. I intend to push my body hard, for as long as I can. Use it or lose it.

[@lisawilder7626]

I used to play amateur sports, and when players who weren't actively playing were waiting on the sidelines, I would do the Asian squat because it felt like a great way to stretch the legs and rest between playing, I found it quite comfortable. (I'm not Asian myself) my teammates would literally stare at me like I was nuts and ask if I was going to the bathroom. In Western culture its like there's something vulgar about it.

[@getstrongby4038]

Because let's face it, this is the way people that don't have toilets shit 😆

[@edwarddodge7937]

Awesome you were able to go with your own flow. For anyone wondering: the default western resting position in sports is called “take a knee”.

[@Bobdylan12121]

@aaron singer it's not the position of defecation if you are a westerner though, since we use toilets the exact same way we use chairs.

[@katelynbrown98]

because when you squat like this your crotch is on full view and open to let all your funk smell out. It also does look similar to how you'd squat to use the bathroom.

[@hussle501]

@aaron singer lol, damn i never looked at the world like that. i had turkish friends who did this when the machinery was faulty at work and we had to wait, i was envious as fuck.

[@jaketran3449]

I did that naturally growing up and was repeatedly asked why I was squatting while doing things. I'm glad to have let go of that past and now I squat everyday. I just drop into it like water dripping off a leaf. It feels so good and feels so right. I always feel stronger after and the position just works so well with my body.

[@mikuenjoyerXD]

This was so poetic 🥺😢

[@doomguy9049]

Why were you doing it? Did you pick it up from your folks or people you saw on tv or something? I presume you grew up in the US or some similar western anglophone country where the only groups of people who consistently do the slav squat are slavic or asian immigrants so I can understand why people would see it as a curiosity.

[@angelvu]

@@doomguy9049 Tran is a common Vietnamese surname, so most likely yes

[@doomguy9049]

@@angelvu yeah that's what I was thinking too tbh, and there's a great many Viet people here where I grew up and have been for my entire life

[@brookesutherland1512]

@@mikuenjoyerXD I knowwwwww lolol

[@lizzieb6311]

I love it! I’m a 59year old woman with both hips replaced in 2016 and 2017. I find it incredibly stable and relaxing. I use it and crab walk when pulling weeks and planting plants in my landscaping.

[@JCHK.]

I’m so glad to hear that! I’m having my first hip replacement on Friday (other hip next year), I’m only 49 so I’m hoping to maintain as much mobility as possible.

[@Kiefsti]

@@lizzieb6311 No way, you can bend more than a 90 degree angle with 2 new hips??!? Wow have they come a long way since my mum had hers done!!

[@lizzieb6311]

@@Kiefsti yes! The crab walk is incredibly relaxing and far better than bending over and trashing my back. During the first six months following hip replacement surgery they don’t want you going that far down…and I still cannot sit on the floor with legs crisscrossed (we used to call it Indian style but I avoid saying that). Not sure if the hip implants have changed much since your mom had them done - but the therapy to rehab the supporting muscles likely has.

[@CmdrEsteban]

I’m an Anglo westerner and I’ve always squatted flat-footed like that naturally since I was a very young child. Still do it now at 49 without effort; it’s just intuitive and stable and comes naturally for me (unlike the weird version where people precariously balance on their toes). As I grew up I became more conscious of people pointing out that I was strange for doing that (“Look! He squats like he’s having a poo!” “How can you squat like that without falling over?” etc). Only my Asian friends thought it was normal. And when I was living in Japan I found I could finally squat while waiting for the bus without everybody staring at me like they do here in Australia.

[@Floki3030]

I agree, im from Georgia state, always done this and sit indian style, can stand straight up in like .5 seconds without touching the ground. 40 years old people have told me they don’t understand how i do and its weird. I don’t understand how they cant do it.

[@esecallum]

australians hate anyone of color and think they are the MASHTER RACE.

[@MamaPinks]

Your story is identical al as mine, only I'm 52 now! 🖖🏼

[@MattExzy]

It's pretty hilarious. I too always squatted since I was a child as a westerner. TMI alert, but toilet training for me was also a drama - since my instinct was to squat, even on the loo. Sitting normally on the seat was not going to work for me. Imagine my surprise 30-odd years later of being unashamedly squat-happy to learn that there's loos in certain countries that cater to the position. Vindication!

[@MamaPinks]

@@MattExzy Not TMI, it makes perfect sense! It was so hard to potty train my son, who is half Japanese; we had the same issue. He would pee I the toilet but no poopie! He'd find a diaper, and make me put it on him, then he'd go squat in a corner. It took a long time to get him past that! It was all about the squat for him!

[@sueblankenship9441]

I start every day with the Asian squat. I only recently taught myself how to do it. I work at a computer all day and I'm turning 69 soon, so I'm incorporating yoga into my daily routine. My chiropractor is impressed with my progress.

[@dmitritelvanni4068]

Taught my girl to do it crazy girl was doing it full term with twins lol.

[@genevievebelanger903]

Try doing the asian squat while on a chair. It's possible to work on the computer at the same time.

[@weston407]

69? nice

[@joshuabryant9845]

@@genevievebelanger903 I do this too lol

[@woodman.studio]

Dude, I'm a rugby player and I tried this. I could only hold the position for about 5 seconds and I started sweating. I have no flexibility on all of those hip and adductors muscles he mentioned. My goal is to increase this position for 5 more seconds every week.

[@lilaccilla]

thats amazing !! i would think you athletic people would be able to do this well 🙀

[@woodman.studio]

@@lilaccilla in my case, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s also painful. My hips and calf muscles are too tight and inflexible to hold this position. The stronger the muscles, the more likely to be inflexible. So you’ll se a lot of explosive athletes and power lifters, heavily struggling to hold it.

[@alpean_academy]

Hi Rommel, Be aware that your main activity is sprinting. For this function the shortening of your calf and Foot flexors are essential to have explosive power from your fascia... A deep squat might need too much dorsal flexion of your foot which gives a negative influence in your sprint competence. But I might be wrong?

[@alpean_academy]

ah yes, I forgot to say that a long femur makes often this position not easy! If your femur length is more than 25 percent of your whole body length then it's much more difficult.

[@SBahamondes]

Kneesovertoesguy

[@Anonamiss782]

I just came across this video and I'm so glad I did. I'm a 55yo Australian and I've been doing the Asian squat for as long as I can remember. I don't know how I came to start asian squatting but I find it's the most comfortable way to sit when I don't have a chair and have to sit on the floor. My 21yo daughter can't even do it and it mystifies me bcoz it is so easy for me. Thank you for making me feel good that I can do it 😊🙏

[@BigJoshGaming]

I'm 6' 6" and 410 lbs. I have degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. Due to my lower back pain I'm unable to stand straight or walk for more than 5 to 10 min without sitting. Over time I've gotten good at squatting deep like this and it takes all the pressure and lower back pain away. I get some funny looks in public when I just stop and drop into this squat. I also found this position easier to work on projects low to the ground than trying to get down on my knees to do the same task.

[@genevievebelanger903]

Sometimes I sit like this ON a chair, so that I can work long hours at the computer.

[@arcticblue248]

I'm a fat person, and to be honest .. I suffer from backpains (weight and previous work damage to the spine (lifting wrong)), this is what I also found out ... asian squat is better for me when I'm hurt in my back to take away some pressure .. also if I have to stand still at one place longer ... its easier to do the squat... :-)

[@meileinharrison5480]

Yes! Im a young gardener who works mostly for older people. They often bring out pads for me to kneel on or even on occasion a small stool or box, but I love to just squat! So much better for my back and I can just shuffle along the garden bed instead of moving a stool or pad every six inches I move

[@kristynkazumi]

Yes my fibromyalgia and bad knees definitely are less annoyed by this than kneeling

[@benwagner5089]

@@arcticblue248 I'm also entering my Santa Claus phase (5'8/220lb). How are we supposed to position the stomach? I'm able to get down there if I take a wide enough stance, but my gut gets pinched between my legs and it feels like I'm hunching over my knees too much. I'm not seeing many images of large people going into as deep of a squat without going on their toes, such as a sumo wrestler getting into their ready position.

[@randomvideos9268]

As a person on the bigger side, i tried doing this. I held on to something, got into position and actually did it when i let go of the support i used to stop myself falling. I am mind-blown.

[@EriPages]

stop being obese by cutting out snacking and cutting out ADDED SUGARS and processed foods.

[@rosalee477]

How did you keep your balance?

[@mdk4098]

ī

[@stephj9378]

you are! You are inspiring me!

[@mikephillips8406]

I'm a 65 year old westerner and have been sitting this way all my life. I find it really helps stretch out my lower back from sitting at my desk job all day. Never new it had an actual name. Here in the midwest we just call it "hunkering down..."

[@sandiadamson1754]

Love it! I like to hunker down😆

[@katelynwhitmer]

Love "hunkering down". Been doing it my whole life

[@tulopadullo_n_5700]

Actually in Europe we know it as something Balkans and Slavs (the two groups largely but not perfectly coincide) do. They could have learned it from Turks and, before, from Mongils though, so it's still Asian

[@tukkajumala]

@@tulopadullo_n_5700 Dude, every baby knows how to squat all the way down. Here in the West we just lose the flexibility once we start using chairs all day. It was invented by the ancestral apes :D

[@tulopadullo_n_5700]

@@tukkajumala dude, I was not disputing anything. I was just reporting that in my country this kind of squatting is typical of Slav people

[@mindykeys206]

I feel so validated by this. I am a Westerner and have always been treated like a freak because I prefer to sit on the floor and I will squat like this and work if I had a dollar for every time a person offered me a chair, I could retire. Thank you for this video

[@icouldjustscream]

We do that in Yin yoga. It's held for 3 to 5 minutes. I grow a veggie garden and squat a lot to sow seeds, weed, etc. I take this position without even thinking about it. I've done it at work while looking for items in bottom drawers and shelves. It's my go-to position for starting IVs in hands/wrists. The younger nurses are amazed that I can get that low and get back up again! They can't do it. I've been nursing for 35 years, so I'm NOT a spring chicken. I'm more of an autumn hen.

[@sgp1489]

I never knew this was odd for Caucasians until someone pointed it out. I garden this way too.

[@kookiecastro8452]

nursing? caregiver?

[@icouldjustscream]

@@kookiecastro8452 Surgical/peri-operative RN in Canada 🇨🇦.

[@sgp1489]

@@kookiecastro8452 Nursing

[@johnparadise3134]

Autumn 🍂 Hen 🐓 ❤️

[@jasonrodriguez463]

My father had us doing basic calisthenics early on. We did side lunges,duck walk,plank and basic judo rolls to name a few. We also sparred each other. Lol. We grew up flexible and when I started practicing yoga it came as second nature. Thanks dad!

[@Uprighthealth]

GREAT Father.

[@indiankid8601]

@@Uprighthealth We have squatting type toilets in my country. Western type are rare. So we automatically squat for 10-15 minutes at least one or two times a day. 😂

[@stelrex7293]

@@indiankid8601 That position is also considered healthy and natural while pooping.

[@niellalien]

Lucky!!

[@andrewashford5617]

Writing comments to social media instead of the actual person is beyond corny🤡🤦🏽

[@dobryden77]

I honestly thought, "Oh yeah, I could totally do this." Then I tried. No. No, I cannot do this. I'm embarrassed, not going to lie. I will use your advice and practice, my goal is to be able to do this in 3 weeks!

[@onnietalone3181]

lol , me two

[@jbye5353]

I'm so happy I tried it with my back to the wall, because I rolled backwards lol... !

[@hijodelaisla275]

"honestly"

[@emmi5581]

it's been a week now r u getting closer?

[@dobryden77]

@@emmi5581 That's so nice of you to check in! I've been working really hard doing it and other exercising, jogging too. I THINK I'm doing better. I'm on my feet all day at work too so I can honestly say I've been really sore, but I've been staying active, practicing, and eating healthy too.

[@siokharcavalier268]

Thank you. After living decades in Europe, found I couldn't do it without losing balance . Thanks for your 3 tips on building muscles back.

[@nickbono8]

I’m a westerner and work in landscape construction, so getting in this position to work is sometimes more comfortable than kneeling. Resting my knees on the ground without padding can be very uncomfortable after a while. I have always called this the Slav Squat lol. Also, this is the most natural way to go #2!

[@charlesroberts3650]

Same here, INCLUDING going "#2", comfortable, the poop comes out quickly and it also LESSENS the chances of getting colon cancer!

[@foxandbearbrothers6405]

True, my five year squats like this on the toilet. I'm so tempted to try it.

[@bumbaclot813]

Soooooo based.

[@faresBtoush1990]

@@charlesroberts3650 look up arabic toilet. The first time you use it you might pull a muscle but it's guaranteed to empty the tank

[@ExcitedPunch]

I work as a landscaper, too! Guess I'm gonna call it the landscaper squat now. People often comment on it as if it's weird I can do it, given that I'm neither a Slav nor Asian. No, like this video says, you just have to do it a lot.

[@tootsiequilt]

My Native American dad did this squat his whole life. He said it was comfortable, and preferred to sit like this especially while fishing.

[@DVC050311]

So I’m 46 and my hips and knees had been killing me. I recently started working out and doing a lot of squats. I started slow, but now I can squat far down (and with weights!). I tried doing the Asian squat just now and won’t lie, it was comfortable!

[@irmasanchez5274]

A movement specialist I know always emphasizes the lunge (with and without weifhts) before training the squat with weights. A weighted squat is much more complex.

[@rjcason98]

I started Asian Squat in 1981, during my 1st trip to Philippines. Thank you for the reminder. I’m of Scot-Irish descent.

[@VvpandoravV]

Also known as the “catcher’s squat”. Learned this in girls softball when I was a catcher for four seasons as a teenager. I still get looked at weirdly when using it but it is still much more comfortable than kneeling - esp wo 30 lbs of catcher’s equipment on!

[@panicatlabiblioteca]

I know right? Especially since I have super bony knees

[@emmadasilva1794]

I was also a catcher but never able to stay flat footed. I was always on my toes. Well, the balls of my feet rather

[@daniburke9452]

I've always been able to due this squat. I used to play softball in elementary school I never knew they were supposed to be squating like that. I thought they were supposed to be up on their toes. Makes sense now they couldn't do the squat

[@VvpandoravV]

@@daniburke9452 depends on the catcher. I mostly used the Asian squat simply bc it’s more comfortable (to me) & also helped me “pop up” into a standing position more quickly & stably for those pesky foul balls & such ✌️⚾️✌️

[@Dpol85]

Catcher squat isn't as deep. You have to be able to jump up and pivot to throw out a person stealing a base.

[@belssage]

I learned this over a period of 7 months at the age of 58 because my physician told me I wasn't flexible enough to age safely. I was in the medical field 24.5 years and hadn't heard this before. But, challenge accepted. It does contribute in an increase of better feeling of well-being.

[@candied.crabapples]

I never thought this was a “thing”. We’ve done this with our grandmother since we were kids. I always thought it was a “poor man’s squat” because it was a way of resting if there were no chairs

[@godbless6939]

Me too my grandfather did it all of the time

[@stephenstowers5630]

Chairs are the root of the issue for western society

[@the_phuckery_is_real7252]

Exactly! It's not ethnically defined.

[@GoldieHoffmanComedian]

same, had no clue it was 'thing' or even called this 'asian squat or as i see in comments above the 'slav squat' etc). if anything, I remember watching some anthro/ discovery channel/national geographic thing when i was younger, and noted that most tribes use it, etc so i thought it was cool and more 'tribal'. hence 'primal' squat is probably the best for it. anyway, weird, i can do this and flexible in the inside of my groin with also heels into crotch, knees on floor, but yet cannot for the life of me do splits. soo, who knows lol.

[@31tentacles]

@@the_phuckery_is_real7252 it is not, technically, but practically it is, simply because anyone can do it, but it's not part of everyone's life as it is for Asians 🙃

[@laruesolomon3462]

I've trying to add a comment you have helped me more than anyone in the Health Professions. I am 85 and the Asian squat has given me my life back. Thank you for your information. I cannot tell enough people why they are suffering needlessly! I could tell you so much more but I don't want to make this too long. I do a lot of exercises but I would never had the courage to go into that deep squat. I thought it would hurt my knees but instead it has cured my knees and my lower back. Thanks again

[@rin-chan3017]

In Czechia (or any Slavic country) we call it the Slav squat haha! I still remember my great grandmother working in the fields while doing the Asian/Slav squat :). It's also my favorite resting/waiting position :D

[@scholarium]

In Kazakhstan we call it na kortochkakh :) gopniks may be widely associated with this position

[@jackowsky86]

Greetings from Poland :)

[@00Trademark00]

I don't know many Czechs who can do it. Actually, only people who do calisthenics or other forms of fitness training (myself, I am trying to get there, but nowhere near..in fact my hamstrings are still perhaps more stiff than average). Your average Pepa (Joe, but Czech) cannot do that and I think there is no generation of Czechs alive today in which this would be common.

[@Michelle-jf8fz]

@@00Trademark00 I have a Slavic background from Serbia. I can do the squat and squat and walk and I'm 50 years old.

[@00Trademark00]

@@Michelle-jf8fz Well, I guess Serbs are more Slavic than Czechs 😀

[@mrwilliamz311]

The ‘Asian squat’ is how children pick things off the floor. We adults forget this as we grow older and bend over to pick things up instead which as he says, weakens the muscles concerned with the action. My personal issue with this squat was the pressure it exerted on the knees and particularly one bearing a torn meniscus. What I’ve since found is sitting on the shins (tibia) with my feet under my buttocks though hugely painful initially is how I got over the restriction in the knee that followed the operation; it’s still uncomfortable and may never be back to how it was but I can sit in this position for much longer now. In my experience (and coupled with some hip and spine mobility) these 2 movements go hand in hand and will make your journey back to your childhood much easier. Asian squatting is your birthright…

[@hiddenleaf414]

Also kids are used to being barefoot and truly flat. Most adults have work non zero drops shoes their whole life so their posture is already going to be messed up, and the proper muscles used for the squat go untrained/unused.

[@valhatan3907]

In Asia (southeast asia, Indonesia) we still use "squat toilet", not toilet seat, so our muscle are able to squat frequently.

[@BodyOpt]

Children can squat more easily because of their body part proportions, their mobile joints, and different relative lever lengths. Adult skeletons can vary quite a lot, and none are like a child's.

[@localfriendlycloud7720]

We do this unconsciously as much as sitting

[@user-jy1md7vk1w]

Mark Williams, my knees are a total mess, both have everything torn. For my knees, it feels that trying this squat position would stretch the knee ligaments into looking like stretched rubber bands where the knees should be bent & structurally reliable. You are saying that in your personal experience, after having your own torn ligament surgery, you could not only do this position, but thrive in doing it? That sounds exciting! Did you only have 1 of your ligaments repaired? Any advice on that type of surgery?

[@Jillshinn]

This is extremely affirming to me, as I have always been a squatter, and always been proud of it. I've never heard anyone sing the praises of this squat, so I've just been secretly pleased with myself for decades without any external validation. Thank you, sir!

[@_LifeIsGood]

Can you do it completely flat-footed and not on the balls of your feet?

[@Nightwishmaster]

@@_LifeIsGood Genuinely curious, is that hard for most people? I think this video popped up in my feed because I have had back problems recently due to my terrible posture and watched a few videos about it so I clicked this out of curiosity. I expected it to maybe be hard to get in or out of but it feels exactly the same difficulty as bending down to tie my shoe or something and now I'm curious if I'm more flexible than I thought because I genuinely can't wrap my mind around why this would be hard for anyone to do.

[@fearlesslyphoenixing6498]

It's so nice to see others who do this commonly. Honestly most people look at me funny when I'm in this position. It's honestly the most comfortable position for me and never knew it was something "special" I always felt like it just made me look immature, as we often see children in this position. But for me it was always and still is my favorite position as it helps reduce back pain so much(for me at least). But whether I'm waiting outside for my kid to be done school, or in the kitchen waiting on the water to boil (though it also leads to unintentionally scaring people as your squatting in the kitchen and no one sees you on the other side of the kitchen island so they go to walk around only to be startled by you squatting there lol) but honestly this position is my absolute go to. From relieving back pain to being able to comfortably hang out literally anywhere to it being my I just need a break quickly pose that lets me take a load off without having to find somewhere to sit or if cooking I can take a minute to relax without potentially burning the food. It's just nice to see it's a thing and that many people do it too.

[@Browny84]

@@Nightwishmaster a lot of people don’t have the ankle/calf flexibility to do the Asian squat without heels raised, unless they are holding a weight or a rail or post or something. If you can do that it’s good sign.

[@LauKwatSaturday]

Same!

[@NavySWO]

Great video, thank you. I just turned 60 and have never been flexible, so the first time I tried this squat it turned into a comedy skit. That said, I am determined to follow your guidance and learn how to properly do this squat, mainly for conditioning and overall flexibility. One day at a time! Really appreciate all you do, you are inspiring.

[@TheOriginalDalamanza]

As a counter to all the people saying 'I've been doing this my whole life!'... I'm 24, pretty healthy and relatively flexible, and I find this pose INSANELY uncomfortable. Going to keep working on it though! 🤞 Thanks for the tips

[@nasonguy]

Soon. Soon you will be able to flex (haha) on all of the tired standing people by resting literally anytime, anywhere.

[@jessicab743]

well Im 43 and am not flexible AT ALL and I have no problems doing this.

[@smoggie2833]

Top tip for you - relax into it and breathe.

[@loganlabbe9767]

Try getting into a deep lunge position with on leg out stretched and the other in this squat position. When the muscles are stretched enough to do that the squat should be easy. I never thought about this squat before really but I've trained my flexibility like that all my life and it is quite comfortable for me

[@theshanamaster]

i have massive muscular thighs, i find it very hard, i can do the squat to a degree but i run out of room due to sizable muscles

[@isawthis...9724]

I started doing this squat along with other stuff to build muscle when I was trying out for wrestling in high school. Now today I can easily squat and use the squat when camping or being down on the floor with grandchildren. I think nothing of it but friends are amazed when they see me lighting the campfire or working on my motorcycle. I graduated from high school in 1965.

[@tammycanatella7899]

That's terrific! You are an inspiration! My Mom used to squat doing house work after a full day at her job.

[@AndreAndFriends]

You have some amazing genes.

[@peace1108]

Man, that's great!!!

[@Deepbluecat]

I'm an American white dude, and 62. I've been doing this squat daily for decades, mainly because it helps my lower back feel great! Thanks for the video.

[@briechilli4496]

Can i ask how long you hold the squat for each day, (minutes ) ?

[@Deepbluecat]

@@briechilli4496 Sure, i concentrate on the low back, so I'm very low, and I put my arms inside, between my knees, bending forward slightly...for about 10 to 30 seconds, depending on how sore my back is...works great, and you can do it anywhere. Good luck

[@briechilli4496]

@@Deepbluecat thanks for your reply. All the best.

[@jglg7238]

doing this daily is very healthy for you, doctors have also recommend doing it if you're a senior.

[@beblut]

You need to have slav blood in your veins in from Poland and I can say you with 100% accuracy that this is no asian squat this is proper Slavic squat 😂

[@DarshanaHashendra]

Your examples shots are really great and funny all the time. Very thoughtful

[@apexseeker3821]

Been practicing this lately as I do have a history of lower back issues. Here’s a tip to help those who are struggling: I sit atop a soccer ball (slightly deflated) which enables me to comfortably maintain the position without strain. It takes the strain off my knees while enabling my hips and ankles to become more adapted to the full squat position. I alternate between using the ball or not to build up leg strength. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@catfish5272]

I love it!! That’s awesome thank u

[@carmenjacinto4426]

Great advice, I'll give it a try.

[@monisamujawar2232]

Thank you for you advice. What else can we do to help with lower back pain? Even I'm extremely prone to lower back pain and I'm only in my early 30s.. 😭

[@sabrinar.purnell3869]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@suestoons]

@@monisamujawar2232 Yoga. This will help with general flexibility and muscle strength which will help with your pain. It has helped me for the past 30 years. In addition to Rheumatoid Arthritis [joint pain] I have Fibromyalgia [muscle pain] and frequently have to "go back to the beginning". The beauty of yoga is that every position is adaptable to where you are today.

[@lesterabastillas9291]

I’ve seen my family do this so many times, that I thought everyone can do this; I asked my friends, here in Ireland, to do it, and it’s hilarious!

[@kimbee0839]

Same here. I assumed anyone without a physical impairment could do this. I've been an RN for 25 years and I've never seen anyone who can't do it.

[@kimbee0839]

@Leigh Hartman Yeah, that's what I was saying...unless a person has some kind of physical impairment or limitations, I just assumed everyone could do it.

[@stephenallen4635]

Im irish, im watching this vid rn ar 2am. Got out of bed to try it, feels pretty natural

[@zzzm1k3zzz]

I am a relatively fit 29 year old male and I cant do this at all without locking my arms between my legs.. I will either fall forward or backwards. I can do this while i am on my toes though. I am going to train to do this as I feel like an idiot for not be able to do this.

[@lpanayi6954]

I've always been able to 'Asian Squat' and had no idea that it was a 'thing' that some people couldn't do (within reason, obviously). I'm not especially flexible, but it's just something I've always done and I've always prefered floor-sitting to chair sitting because I don't like my legs hanging down, somehow. I just don't find it comfortable so I usually sit on chairs cross-legged where possible.

[@Ace__Matic]

Same most children can it’s just some stop

[@lifewithlarsandsusie8315]

Same here. I have to sit with my legs out like on a foot rest. It was so nice while pregnant to sit in an Asian squat

[@aviolet3981]

Me too! I suck at sitting ‘properly’ on chairs.

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

@@SuperiorMind I know it's more of a habit than it is of a "cultural" thing. I am just as Asian as the next Asian born in Asia, and I find it uncomfortable doing it for long stretches. I could go down to the "Asian squat" position; but I just don't find it comfortable enough to do for 5, 10, 30 minutes at a time like most Asians I know. I had a German American roommate in college... he's really comfortable doing the "Asian squat." To be perfectly honest, I didn't know it's described as such. But my roommate did it all the time. I didn't think any thing of it. I thought it's just a habitual act or behavior: the more you do it, the more comfortable you are at it.

[@doctorxombie]

Same.

[@brendastolecki4755]

I am 68 yo. American, Polish descent. YEARS ago I could do this...imagine my surprise when l discovered I could no longer do this!! Not happy. I WANT to be able to! I also have sciatica and hip flexor issues...do not plan on having these issues for the rest of my life...going to do these exercises!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge...

[@SenatorGH]

For years I’ve been backpacking in the rocky Sierras, but being a chair-reliant sitter, I could never rest comfortably at the end of a long day. This is exactly the solution I need and can’t wait to test it out. Thank you!

[@rifIedoII]

good idea i hope it works

[@hehexd4557]

Sit on a rock or a log?

[@houssein4611]

Keep us updated if you can

[@Justin.Martyr]

*I Do this DaiLy, but My HeaLs are Up!!!! So, How is that Different????*

[@madelynhall6880]

My second daughter was born with a congenital heart failure and the squat was her favorite resting position...her breathing was much easier for her in that position.

[@amilcarballantyne]

Was? I hope she's okay

[@binary964]

that's true (by breathing being easier in squatting position for a child with CHF i mean), sometimes the asian squatting habit is even a telltale sign for doctors if the children aren't diagnosed right after they were born. it's an instict to increase blood flow to the lung and brain when they're hypoxic.

[@madelynhall6880]

Yep...she is now 35...not bad for a child the doctors told me would not see 7...she beat the odds til age 15..then she was in a waitlist to die or get a transplant...then at age 19 technology caught up to her...she had open heart surgery..the made her into a popsicle (took her temp to hypothermic levels) stopped her heart...performed surgery...and since then she has been living her best life...she has never given up.

[@amilcarballantyne]

@@madelynhall6880 oh that's great to hear

[@raju-bitter]

@@madelynhall6880 That's a wonderful story! Best of luck to her, and to you as well. Cannot imagine what you went through as parents.

[@samtaylor7762]

I started doing this 20 years ago out of curiuosity and found it so much more comfortable and easier to balance when doing yard work or any activity or project low-to-ground. Also, it prevents cramps and sore muscles while remaining totally stable in this squat. Try it and understand.

[@Justin.Martyr]

*I Do this DaiLy, but My HeaLs are Up!!!! So, How is that Different???*

[@EnigmatiK_SportS]

This squat is universal throughout all ancient cultures. In Africa (where im from) this squat is done mostly by people (men) in rural areas who always seem to be fitter and healthier than their city dwelling cousins

[@tonggao08]

Yes, it's not Asian at all, it's human. I think the 'Asian' emphasis is tongue-in-cheek (hopefully).

[@motleythewild]

I'm a western born and raised person, and I've spent my life squatting like this, so it's funny to learn it's a thing not everyone can or will do. I think I learned to do it because I spend most of my time outside and around animals that are shorter than me. Plus being closer to the ground is "grounding" and nice sometimes when relaxing.

[@maryyoung4046]

I like being closer to the ground. But the best I can do is sit like an Indian since I cannot squat without pain.

[@ethersthreshing]

Me too, I've done this my whole life. For the past 10 years I have had no chairs in my home and I sit this way at least %80 of the time

[@zacharyyoungblood7013]

Same, but I'm also half Asian, so that probably also helped.

[@EmilyCate2650]

Same here! Western born and raised. I grew up doing my artwork on the floor and didn’t know until my late 30s that the way I can squat and kneel on the floor isn’t common in the US. When we moved to Japan it was amazing to see the Japanese people squatting and kneeling on the floor. I could squat right along side them, but other Americans there couldn’t. I most frequently saw it at the local Japanese kindergarten where my daughter went to school. …We love and miss Japan, btw. We later lived in Korea too.

[@berrymilk123]

@@zacharyyoungblood7013 race has nothing to do with it.

[@tarawadsworth8216]

I'm a Westerners and when I was a teenager I found it naturally comfortable to sit like this while fishing. I'm now in my 40's and I have no knee issues and can still squat like this. So I think there are good benefits.

[@nasonguy]

Similar here. When I was like 19 an old Japanese dude told me when I was working on his computer to just squat down and work on it instead of bending over. I thought it was kinda funny, tried it, and couldn't stand it for more than a few seconds. But I just kept at it and soon gained the flexibility, core strength, and balance to do it basically indefinitely. Mid 30's now and I love it. If I'm not standing, I'm probably squatting. Friends and family kinda look at me funny when we're all hanging out somewhere, just standing around for a long time and I get tired and just squat to take a break. Especially if they're still talking to me and I'm staring up from crotch height at everyone, haha. I have partially torn both of my ACLs in a bad car accident, and got rear ended on the freeway a few years after that. Recovery was rough. But I can still squat. In fact, my knees, lower back, and hips feel great, and I believe constantly squatting has helped rebuild some of that musculature and flexibility.

[@jamesbrown1674]

This move has helped reduce lifelong hip tightness and sciatic pain.

[@deneb3552]

It just works. I've tried pretty much everything to get rid of back pain. Nothing works. Squatting works. Moving, stretching, using the body is the solution. I'm pain free for years now. Stronger, more able, more alive. Just squat.

[@randyclark8774]

Glad I found your comment. I will try it for that reason alone. 👍

[@angle5520]

How long did it take you to be able to achieve the squat? I popped my hip out a few years ago and hasn't been the same since. I do some yoga but this looks like something that I would really like. Is it a comfortable position? And how long can you stay in it? Thanks in advance.

[@deneb3552]

@@angle5520 the realistic answer is: you keep trying, you just do it and you'll have your answers. It's a personal thing. Depends on your situation. So you just need to go figure it out. I wish you a good progress and happy practice

[@jamesbrown1674]

It's a process I started about four weeks ago. I couldn't get into the full Asian squat so I started with Gorilla sit with my knuckles on the ground to support my weight, in order to get my knees and hips used to being in that position. It didn't feel natural and hurt worse before it started to get better. But I promise you, your ancient ancestors spent much of their time in this position, its very natural for humans. Now I can hold the squat for about 30 seconds before much discomfort and then go back to the Gorilla sit for 30 seconds. Hope this helps.

[@frankgradus9474]

Thanks awfully, that's a huge help.

[@origamikiddo2625]

I learned about this squat through my love of K dramas and comics. I've tried doing it but joint pain makes me think it's impossible. You've encouraged me to work towards it, 5 mins a day! Sounds like all good things! My child does this position and I understand why so many cultures do! The really sad thing is that my sis in law came over from S. Korea and was living (and shopping) with my parents while my bro was in the military. My mom was so embarrassed by her Asian Squatting in the grocery store or whenever she was tired that she told her no one does that and she shouldn't do that anymore, and I don't think she does. This will be my goal, to have me and my child Asian squat in the store to embarrass my mother.

[@victoriabaker4400]

I did it naturally as a child, but got bullied out of doing it as well. I'm so glad to find this info.

[@Muquinha0112]

I live in Brazil, here many people can do it. Not all, but it's not rare. I needed to learn. Here the name is "cócoras".

[@ilost5040]

What a noble goal you have there, my friend!

[@SamKH202]

6 months later, have you made any progress? I am curious

[@amschelco.1434]

😂 actually there is right place for everything.. if a child does that in store.. it means he wont go home without bringing that toy hahahah

[@jaclynrachellec]

My ankles can't bend back far enough to balance in the low squat, but wearing a boot with a slight heel gives me just enough extra stability to be able to do it, if you have the same problem you should try it!

[@lishang2653]

you not very flexible then, probably need to work on that

[@be.A.b]

Also squatting on a slight downhill slope works wonders. Sitting in the modified position for a bit really helps build the strength, balance, and flexibility to maintain it better

[@philliparnesen4493]

@@lishang2653 I have the same problem but much more severe, I have very low flexibility in my achilles. I have tried stretching them for years with no change in my range of motion. Any ideas?

[@JordanSkinner314]

Most modern shoes are built with a slight heel so we are used to having our heel elevated and not flat on the floor. Walking without shoes or with completely flat shoes (often called "zero drop") can help increase that flexibility. So can doing the same stretches you would do to increase flexibility in your calf muscles - lunges, that thing where you put your toes on the edge of a stair and let your heels drop down (idk what it's called lol), etc.

[@Uprighthealth]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/parEaHpnmc-Kr7M

[@19Jetta]

That's funny. When I was an exercise instructor, I called that the "Toddler Squat" because, well, that is the position toddlers are in hours a day. If that position is too much for people they can do basically the same movement but lying on their backs and grabbing their feet, pulling the thighs into the chest. Some people call this position "Happy Baby"

[@SatuLindgren]

Instead of "Happy Baby", my yoga teacher called it "Happy Husband"

[@juulian1306]

Ah that explains where I picked it up I guess (it's not common for adults where I'm from): I just never stopped. xD Should have figured since I can still do w-sitting too, which has caused other people to freak out at times. (I'm aware it's not particularly healthy but I don't do it all the time and doesn't cause me any discomfort.)

[@StarleneBreiter]

This is the funniest and most informative video! Thanks so much for making it, I can get into the Asian squat, but for less than a minute. I am going to work on it! Your videos are fantastic, I just found you a day or two ago and wanted to look more around your channel. I was looking for exercises to help with pain in the hips from sitting too long and found a great one by you. Today is the first day in a while that I have not had pain in my hips while working (I have been doing the exercises you shared in that video) Thank you so much!

[@lonnieshoup6289]

My neighbor walked across the street to chat. I was squatted on the curb while he stood. After about 5 or 10 minutes he asked jokingly if I was Vietnamese! He had that sense of humor. Been able to squat like this since I was a year old. I'm 61 now and can squat with the best!

[@seethrough_treeshrew]

Asian squatting is part of my warmup routine at the gym. It makes my spine relaxed and it pops super easily just by puffing up my chest slightly. Then I grab my knees and turn side to side making it pop even more. I love it!

[@janswimwild]

I know this as the African squat having lived in East Africa for seven years and having learned to adopt the squat as the best way of communicating with many people, especially women who would regularly chat and play with children in this position.

[@SomeOne-yv8jf]

That squat is a common body position in all societies that historically didn't make chairs, tables, or beds. These societies historically sat down on the floor/ground (on a mat or animal skins) and ate their food, and slept on the floor, and cooked on the floor. The tresses of such cultures still linger today even with modernization. This is why most westerners think these people are "dirty/lack hygiene" for placing food or dishes on the ground/floor. But in actuality if people grow up in homes without chairs, tables, or beds then the floor/ground is where everything gets done. They sit on the floor, sleep on the floor, cook on the ground, eat seated on the floor with plates or pots on the floor, wash dishes on the floor, wash babies on the floor, EVERYTHING is done on ground. They shit and pee squatting, no toilet seats there. So squatting for long periods of time is part of a restful positioning of the body if one does not desire to sit down on the ground or stay standing. They start off as children being small and close to the ground and grow up into adulthood as "life on the ground/floor" being normal (of which of course is normal). So squatting is not just for playing with little children.

[@janswimwild]

@@SomeOne-yv8jf indeed, it’s a complete way of life. To communicate well in such societies where life takes place at floor level adopting the squat is essential, and the straight back - leg straight out front position too which is the most effective way of being with small children. Your lap is then always available. They are physically challenging at first but practice and good humour get you there, this is a great video for helping with this.

[@ketatgenhorst]

I have recently started focusing on regaining flexibility. I am 52 years old and have come to realize that my aches and pains come from there. Long ago, I did martial arts and had great flexibility. Watching this video, I remembered I used to be able to do this so I tried and I am able. Where I start to feel it most is muscles directly above the knees. I can feel it working these and some others. Thanks for a reminder of a simple exercise I can do anywhere.

[@Applemangh]

I'm honestly so glad I can still do this somewhat comfortably at 35. It made so sad when my cousin and I were teenagers and he literally couldn't sit "criss cross applesauce" on the floor to play a board game. Definitely hoping I'll succeed in maintaining all of my "sit without a chair and get back up" skills well into old age.

[@dmo848]

Wtf is criss cross applesauce?

[@pineapple1784]

@@dmo848 It where you sit with your but on the floor and your legs crossed, with your feet generally tucked under your thighs

[@richarddavis8863]

@@dmo848 the PC name for sitting Indian style haha. in yoga it's called full lotus

[@silviac221]

@@richarddavis8863 exactly

[@maikeweige1548]

you will I've even gained way too much weight but can still do

[@carrielange2692]

I'm old and fat and out of shape and have a hard time kneeling. I never heard of this position and I tried it and it's way more comfortable to me than kneeling. So I guess even though some are out of shape, they might have more flexibility in this way. I can squat down and take care of my tortoise and take care of my plants now in a more comfortable position so this is cool. If you never tried it, give it a try you might be surprised at what you can do, I know I was! 😊

[@yakovhadash]

🐢♥️

[@tammycanatella7899]

That's awesome 👌. You inspire me, thank you 😊

[@leem.5246]

I’m really overweight and never thought I could do the “asian squat” but I found it’s so much easier and more comfortable than the way I learned to squat.

[@sirbachelorboredmen1314]

My man, you built different

[@ironfront9573]

Being overweight doesn't make much difference if you have the right ankle and hip structure. If it was a barrier then rotund folk would not be able to use toilets in places like China and India.

[@arscynica]

Your sense of humour is fantastic.

[@lildarkmatter8373]

This is actually recommended for EMTs, we learned this form of squat as the correct way to lift heavy objects, including people due to it's a) stability and b) protection of your back muscles. Very important skill if you want to keep your back in good shape for any sort of lifting.

[@miriambucholtz9315]

I have always used a squat when lifting anything heavy (I've worked in everything from factories to maintenance in apartment buildings), but I just could never do it with my feet flat on the ground.

[@lildarkmatter8373]

@@miriambucholtz9315 Totally understandable, sadly for this can be a difficult skill due to not only musculature, but center of gravity as well. As a general rule, the lower the center of gravity the harder it is to keep your feet flat. But really keeping your feet flat is mainly used for extra stability. So while that's vital in something like EMT, that isn't the main focus for most people day-to-day.

[@CarolBlaneyPhD]

but doesn't it grind your knees when you stand up from a squat?

[@seetasingh2032]

I,m hearing my knees squeaking as i tried.Old age is here at last.

[@hijodelaisla275]

"actually"

[@angellbaby881]

Ive been practicing this daily and it’s helped the inner part of my flat feet from hurting as much when I walk !

[@hilarylauren6112]

Side note, it’s not all about flexibility. I spent about 5 years living in SE Asia, so I am very familiar with the Asian squat and have been endlessly frustrated with my inability to do it. However, I finally learned why when I had a meeting with a kinesiologist while studying dance in college. In addition to having a pathetic squat, I’ve also always had a very shallow plié, much to my my teachers’ chagrin. Turns out, this is because of my extremely high arches. I had some room for improvement with stretching my Achilles, but the bone that connects the foot to the tibia (I think it’s called the tallis?) is placed so high on my arch that it limits how far I can flex my foot. I’d always felt like a failure in my dance classes after my teachers railed on me for years over my shallow plié, so it was a relief to learn this. Though also a huge bummer as every time I’m back in Asia I’m a wobbly mess 😂

[@Bill.Pearson]

Weird. I have the world's flattest feet (I didn't know this until about 15 years ago) and I've been able to squat like that all my life, comfortably and for extended periods. People have even commented about how I squatted. I never thought anything of it. You may have discovered a connection.

[@BlossomHeartKiss]

My podiatrist commented something similar for my bone structure! Darn bones make it impossible for me to ever fully squat flat albeit comfortably.

[@VelvetTears216]

OMG thank you for sharing this!!! I have always had incredibly high arches and I have NEVER been able to do a full squat. I was a student of ballet for 8 years and even at my most strong and flexible, my plié was shallow and pitiful. Dancing en pointe was always so much easier than with flexed feet of a more contemporary style. It all makes sense now. I can finally stop torturing myself.

[@lisaspears4578]

I can’t even get into the position, much less hold it. 😝 And I also have high arches, maybe that is the reason!

[@wordwoman9900]

I don't know if my arches are especially high or not, but I always blamed my lack of ankle flexibility on scar tissue from the dozens of sprains I suffered as a kid. Bone structure makes sense, too. I can't do the normal "get up" when snowboarding, either, because I can't flex my ankles correctly. I have to face uphill and dig my toes in to stand, then hop to clear the snow off my deck. My husband laughs at me, but it gets me downhill!

[@Icookadapizza]

I didn’t know this was a thing until my friend pointed it out. I’ve done this my entire life, playing, picking stuff up, working on cars, just chilling

[@VirginiaOkie]

I am 71 and in good shape and glad to report I have been working on my Asian Squat. Thanks for the video and encouragement. Glad to report I am doing better each day and impressed how much stronger I am each time I work on the squat.

[@Looloowa74]

I taught my self to do this when I was 45. I can’t sit in it for more than a minute. One of my ankles is stiff my knees hurt but I have to pray 5 times a day and I have to be on my knees so I decided I didn’t want to age and have to pray in a chair. The Asian squat is helping me to build up my functional mobility that will be more and more important as I get into my 50’s and 60’s

[@HeLIEl]

Do other knee and hip exercises too. I am turning 43 next month so I am doing workouts (knees and hip flexors included) so i won’t grow old with the typical body of a old man

[@atticusrumi]

Ramadan Mubarak! Hope you'll stay healthy for as long as possible. May Allah reward your efforts.

[@Looloowa74]

@@HeLIEl I do thank you. I do yoga twice a week and cardio three times a week. I think I am to heavy on my body and need to shed some kilos. Thank you. May you live long healthy and agile

[@Looloowa74]

@@atticusrumi thank you! What a lovely duaa. I wish upon you the same blessings and more. Ramadan Kareem 🌙

[@HeLIEl]

@@Looloowa74 Same to you.

[@M.J767]

This is what I taught my toddler when she is going no 2. As soon I noticed she is about to go I made her do the Asian squat. Honestly potty training was easier as well. Never knew about all the health benefits. I’m south Asian and this squat position is very normal to us.

[@donaldmushove]

we have always done this since we were kids, its something that we grew up doing without even giving it a name or thinking we need to teach someone about it. But thank you for sharing this knowledge. Its only now that I realise the value of sharing this information!

[@nessbailey7931]

I have a connective tissue disorder, so I know my hamstring are incredibly tight to keep me able to walk, however I can do this! It was something I started doing regularly when my hips first started getting bad, it helped give relief when I was in pain.

[@200Nora]

I am 66, and I have always been flexible. However, lately, I was getting a little stiff. So I increased my walking and started squatting again along with going to the gym My body moves and feel like I am 30 again, or even better. I know some 20s, 30s who cannot stretch or move without complaining.

[@WaltDittrich]

Isn't it wonderful? My own personal goal is to be in the best shape of anyone I know my age. (fortunately, I don't know any triathletes or something like that. 😂)

[@jwm4ever]

Thanks for your comment because I really needed to hear this. I used to do this resting squat while landscaping my 2 acre property. Also the hundreds of times I got up to move then down again gave me buns and thighs of steel. I sold my house 6 years ago and now I just turned 60 and it really hurts to do the resting squat now. I used to walk a ton too, and stand all day for work. You inspired me to start the walking and get back to the flexible strong person I was just 6 years ago.

[@JC-yc1wp]

@@WaltDittrich LOLOL

[@williamneal7210]

I used to be able to Asian squat, but when I was in my late 30s I took a hit in Afghanistan and had to have both knees replaced. I'm fully recovered but I've never been able to Asian squat again and I'm afraid I can't train into it, however, after seeing this video I'm going to try Thanks man!

[@philippefutureboy7348]

Hey William! Go check the kneeovertoesguy, there’s a high probability he can help you! 🌟

[@ohasis8331]

Same here. Ever since a knee replacement, have lost a few abilities, including this.

[@comeyouspirits]

Good luck William, we’re with you every day.

[@williamneal7210]

@@philippefutureboy7348 Ok, gave his site a peek and it looks like he has a vid for TONS of stuff I don't think I could ever do even before the surgery...starting to get a little bit SCARED (it looks like going through therapy on steroids) Thanks a bunch for the advice though!

[@williamneal7210]

@@comeyouspirits Thank you sir! Looking at some of the responses I've gotten, looks like I'm going to need all the luck I can get!

[@thesetruths1404]

Hi! This was very helpful. I'm 49 and healthy. No knee injuries prior. 10 months ago I had a medium-severity spill downhill skiing. There was just a little swelling. I walked out fine. For 4 months I walked and stretched lightly. Then month 5 I started at home rehab. My right knee is about 95+% healed now. The only thing I can't do is deep squats. My right knee will hurt on the back side when I do these, and about 1/3 of the way down my calf muscle. If I put a small rolled wash rag behind my knee it stops all pain when deep squatting. Do you think I should just continue to do leg and core workouts (body weight, bands, and very light dumbbells) and hold deep squats to entirely clear it up? Thanks! chris

[@ruttruiz8051]

I am an almost 72 years old female born in Guatemala. I have always done the “Guatemalan” squat”😊. I always saw my father and my aunts and uncles squat for a long time and be very comfortable so I have always done it.

[@kaiwannagoback5712]

Started losing the ability when I was about 8, was disappointed that I'd roll backward unless I went up on my toes. Not sure it was lack of flexibility because I was extremely flexible, thought it was due to longer femur in relation to lower leg, pushing my center of gravity backward from my heels. Encouraged by your story, I just tried it as a not-young creaky adult, and managed, but only by splaying my legs and feet very wide apart and leaning my upper body forward between my legs in a hunch. But I'll try your exercises!

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

I'm a giant human and Knees Over Toes guy helped me so much. The weekly knee stretches are dangerous but worked with me.

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

You are doing exactly what tou should. Longer thighs means your center of gravity when you squat will be more forward. Which means you will have to widen the distance between your knees and lean forward to maintain the centre of gravity. It's your body's biomechanics, don't fight against it and try to force your knees closer. I have a longer femur as well and my knees almost reach my armpit when I do Asian squat. After a ligament tear, I regained ankle mobility and strength primarily by using Asian squating. PS. When you lean forward try to keep you spine in straight line and avoid hunching. Lean forward don't curve forward

[@heliumhead4893]

I failed to realized some people can't do this. It feels natural, and I been doing it all my life.

[@blitzed5210]

Same, whenever I would be tired of standing I could easily drop into the squat It also helps that I'm asian

[@LoreLibrary-Official]

@@blitzed5210 sameee

[@missbeans]

I learned to do this squat in yoga 20 years ago! It used to hurt like hell and took me about a year to be able to do it comfortably. I'm in my 40s now and haven't done yoga or anything in 10 years, but I can somehow still do this squat!

[@Raiffjr]

I've never been particularly athletic or flexible, however I found that I was able to do this very easily. I had no idea how healthy it can be. Welcome to my new position!

[@cuckoophendula8211]

I remember being really confused when I first heard people joke about "dropping the soap." As my first personal instinct would be to pick it up while I've "Asian squatted" my whole life, I at first didn't realize what it implied.

[@valhatan3907]

Yeah, same Somehow westerners just forget squat as solution 😂

[@MrParamethius]

I do this several times a day usually without thinking, just because it's useful in my daily life. Cool to know it has a name and people actually want to get to where I am instead of me just feeling like a weirdo 😅

[@rosemarymcbride3419]

I'm 34 and I've spent the past year working on improving my ability to squat and I can finally stay down in it for about 30 seconds comfortably. Think I still need to work on my hip flexor strength but its amazing how easy just dropping down in that position just briefly to pick something up is now!

[@honkymonkey9568]

I'm not Asian and I've lived in the US my whole life, but I've always naturally done the Asian squat and find it comfortable. I didn't know it had a name until now.

[@JKL246]

I’ve been fortunate to be able to squat my whole life. I think it’s helpful that I’m very thin and strong, even now in my 50s. My dog helps me, too. She “demands” belly rubs throughout the day. No easier way than to squat down. Bonus that she braces her front, and often her rear paw, on my knees to push over a little more onto her back. It’s a great way for us to bond, so I’m very thankful that I can do this with her.

[@An.Unsought.Thought]

What happens for most people is that, as a child you start out as flexible as possible... every part of your body is generally around the same strength, durability and flexibility levels. (some exceptions may exist for those fat kids whose parents feed them too much). But overtime the Fascia in our bodies, this is the connective tissue that acts like a web; wrapping our muscles and joints.. they tend to stiffen and lose moisture overtime. Especially when we start school... sitting at a hard desk on a hard chair almost everyday for 12+ years. We end up in our 20s not being able to twist, stretch, bend, hold our body weight up, as easy as we could when we were a child. I assume you've probably kept up a fair bit of stretching and movement. For me, I can only do a primal squat now because I started a fitness routine and squats were added. Still uncomfortable to keep the position for extended periods, but after about a month and a half of exercises I definitely notice some differences in strength and will continue to look for stretches to work out that deep fascia layer that I don't hear get brought up very often. This squat will definitely help that in the thigh, glute and calf areas.

[@jeffwebb727]

I've actually done this the majority of my life, and must attribute this to my aunt from Thailand (I am from Texas and of European ancestry). My Thai aunt took care of me while my mom was at work when I was a toddler and a bit older, and that's when it started for me. She's been very influential in my life in many positive ways, and it just so happens the Asian squat is one of those things. Thanks for a great video and channel.

[@teresabarbao8593]

Hello I’m so excited to try these strength exercises. Thank you for showing this truth about our position s . I’ve been seeing a lot of squat forms . So it was a blessing to subscribe today . Praise the lord . I’m a mother of 11 children . And now getting older I’m 61 . Will try these today and I’ll let you know how I’m progressing! Thank you your so patient!

[@Jboychoy]

Gonna actually work on this. I was shocked because I'm a quarter Japanese, 29 years old and quite heavy, 300lb+ and can get down to the Asian squat. it's a little uncomfortable right now, but it seems like it can get better! thanks for your encouragement to try it!

[@Nyiraferrox]

I'm a 37 years old german girl and I wasn't able to asian squat half a year ago 😳 when the heel of my left foot started hurting reeeeally bad (plantarfasziitis probably) I started stretching the back muscles of my legs every single day AND I practiced Asian squatting :) Helped ALOT! Plus it generally helped with doing a nice, fluid squat!

[@sumansankarghosh]

This squat is a way of life from where i come from. We even do our morning routine bowel movement in this position. I was surprised to know that there are people who find this position challenging. So many things to learn.

[@kwonpretty9449]

Exactly the squat toilets that we use r the best for bowel movement

[@ksmith2852]

Exactly. Should be called the Asian crap.

[@amykepler]

OMG, I have done this squat naturally all my life, but wrong. Always on my toes, never flat footed. WOW what a difference. Always did on my toes for certain tasks. As I do it correctly the way you show, my lower back stretches better, and can see how I could be in this position for very long periods. Thank you. 61 yo learning every day. Much love to you and yours.