The Primal Squat
Getting down low is more than a funky dance move. Who would have thought that the humble Primal Squat, the thing that most toddlers and children do so quickly and effortlessly, is one of the keys to motion, movement and strength in adults?
It’s also one thing that many adults aren’t able to do with ease. When asked why they struggle to hold this position, man people blame their knees, age and hips. At what point did we start to lose the ability to get into a squat, hold the pose and sit comfortably with no pain?
Everybody can work their way up to sitting comfortably in a Primal Squat. People in India and Asia have worked this out to be the secret to staying mobile. Many people opt to eat and wait for the bus in this position rather than sitting stationary on chairs. This is a stark difference to Western society, where we are least likely to adopt a squat when we aren’t working out or focusing on our fitness.
To complete the Primal Squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body until you feel your bottom is as low to the ground as it can go. Keep your back extended and push your chest up to the ceiling. You can use a wall or a chair to help support your body in the earlier stages. Aim to sit in this position for 30 seconds a time to start with, gradually increasing the length of time and removing the chair/wall support.
There are enormous benefits when it comes to this technique. Sitting in a Primal Squat for just a couple of minutes per day can help:
Improve flexibility and range of motion.
Increase circulation throughout the entire body.
Improve balance.
Prevent injuries.
Strengthen joints.
Build muscle.
Activate the pelvic floor
Like all types of fitness, if you’re relatively new to this type of activity and have limited strength and flexibility, you will need to ease into the Primal Squat. It might also take some time to achieve optimal stance, but like with all fitness and health goals, the more you work at it, the easier it will become.
Get ready to notice the difference, improve your strength, and begin moving with as much agility as a leopard!