Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'? • Hacker News Board

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#31

Post by gaius » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:00 AM UTC

pnathan wrote: post #16

After reading the prior discussion & spending some time at the gym doing deadlifty things with a trainer, I experimented with doing the squat. What I found was that while I can do a squat in, e.g., gym shorts, I simply can not do them with my jeans: the jeans constrain my movement substantially. And, the other thing I found, is that a bit of fat on the belly inhibits it as well. I can't speak for everyone, but jeans…

And, the other thing I found, is that a bit of fat on the belly inhibits it as well.

Look at the low stance of sumo wrestlers - belly fat doesn't prevent them, it's all in the hip and ankle mobility.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#32

Post by kzrdude » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:13 AM UTC

It seems rather obvious that if squatting is required for restroom visits, that's the reason everyone has them practiced and has no problem with it.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#33

Post by pandaman » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:18 AM UTC

akrain wrote: post #22

ACow_Adonis wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The slightly less PC name of "third-world squat" was how the position had always been known to me. Which, while probably also being technically incorrect, does make the slightly more correct observation that it isn't something to do with "asian" countries and cultures specifically, but there seems to be some correlation between finding the position difficult/impossible, and living in western Europe/the anglosphere...

To the untrained eye, there may not be any difference between the Slav and the Asian one. But if you look closely the Slav squat has the legs spread wider and toes pointing quite a bit outwards as compared to the Asian squat

It's just the matter of what are you doing with your hands - if you want to pick up something from the ground then narrow knees will block your arms from reaching in front of you, but if you are holding something close to your face then narrow knees are better as you can rest your upper arms on them.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#34

Post by setr » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:32 AM UTC

just to be clear, this is same thing as a slav squat, right? First time I've heard it as Asian

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#35

Post by stenius » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:57 AM UTC

setr wrote: post #34

just to be clear, this is same thing as a slav squat, right? First time I've heard it as Asian

It's the squat you'd use to use a toilet like this: https://bredlowfamily.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/toilet.jpg

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#36

Post by really-dinosaur » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 8:59 AM UTC

dragonwriter wrote: post #29

pnathan wrote: post #16

After reading the prior discussion & spending some time at the gym doing deadlifty things with a trainer, I experimented with doing the squat. What I found was that while I can do a squat in, e.g., gym shorts, I simply can not do them with my jeans: the jeans constrain my movement substantially. And, the other thing I found, is that a bit of fat on the belly inhibits it as well. I can't speak for everyone, but jeans…

As an American male with more than a bit of fat on my belly, that doesn't seem to inhibit squatting at all. Some jeans (or other tight-fitting, inflexible pants) with particular cuts might, though.

I have trouble squatting at the office, but that is because like you say. Jeans are terrible!

At home I can squat for about 30 seconds or so before it starts to get uncomfortable. I can do it, but haven't built up the endurance as we never use those muscles!

Also, there is no good reason to squat in an office. I'm thinking of bolting a Gameboy to the floor so you have to squat to play Tetris.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#37

Post by yodsanklai » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 9:02 AM UTC

kzrdude wrote: post #32

It seems rather obvious that if squatting is required for restroom visits, that's the reason everyone has them practiced and has no problem with it.

> if squatting is required for restroom visits

I believe squatting toilets aren't so common anymore in developed asian countries.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#38

Post by lordnacho » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 9:22 AM UTC

It's not just pooping. If you hang around East Asians you might notice they squat all the time. Sitting at a table, on a sofa, pretty much everywhere. When I think of my memories of my grandmother, guess what, she's squatting.

I only noticed the difference when my western wife pointed it out. In the west people barely ever take up this position.

You should try it, there's something very comfy about being all scrunched up. If you can't balance, try doing it in the corner of a sofa or with some other support.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#39

Post by z3t4 » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 9:44 AM UTC

Stretch your calves. General strength training would also help. Tip: Don't relax though, try to hold the position with active muscles and somewhat straight back. Then you will also get stronger and burn fat/energy while also gaining flexibility! It will help with getting your socks on in the morning and general fitness.

Re: Why Can't Everyone Do the 'Asian Squat'?

#40

Post by mercer » Sat, Mar 17, 2018, 9:51 AM UTC

I think a big part of this is very much a psychological issue.

Because squatting isn't 'common' for many people, it is experienced as more uncomfortable than it really is (even when it's done right - where there's no permanent tension from balance on your toes, for example).

Another example would be sitting cross-legged (or whatever that one leg over the other thing is called) as a man. I find that I and many guys I know naturally feel comfortable doing this, but we're taught from a young age that it's 'gay', so we learn not to do it.

I've noticed that people with autism spectrum disorder often have really odd ways of standing or sitting, and one particular thing I've noticed is that this often includes squatting, sitting cross-legged / yoga-style, or sitting on the couch with your legs folded up close to your body. In my case, these are things I often consciously avoid doing when other people are around, because it's perceived as odd or childish (or at least I think it is).

It would make sense that people with asd might just not care about or know these things, and do what's naturally comfortable/efficient.