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

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

#3
Has anyone gone from being unable to do this to doing it easily, with good form? If so, what did you do?

(For context, my left low back and my right heel both have lower range of motion from injuries. Presumably that can be improved.)

Update: I have a preliminary answer to my own question: squat more. I just read more hacker news while squatting, and the front of my ankles quickly became tired.

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

#6
post #3

Has anyone gone from being unable to do this to doing it easily, with good form? If so, what did you do? (For context, my left low back and my right heel both have lower range of motion from injuries. Presumably that can be improved.) Update: I have a preliminary answer to my own question: squat more. I just read more hacker news while squatting, and the front of my ankles quickly became tired.

I can not do it easily, but if I'm wearing shoes with any kind of heal (even running shoes), I can squat down well enough to do things like gardening. Although there is a certain amount of flexibility in the hips, etc, the main issue is range of motion in the ankles. You need to be able to get your knees considerably in front of your toes in order to be able to shift your weight forward far enough not to fall over backwards. Most people also have poor strength balance between the calf muscle and the muscles at the front of the shin. You need the muscles as the front for the shin to lift your toes upwards -- so if you are struggling with range of motion, you will be pulling on those muscles to help you. When you have enough range of motion, gravity will do that for you.

Range of motion can be improved with training, but everyone has a limit. Where that limit is, depends on the person. If you practice every day for 6 months, then you can probably safely say that you've hit your limit.

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

#7
post #3

Has anyone gone from being unable to do this to doing it easily, with good form? If so, what did you do? (For context, my left low back and my right heel both have lower range of motion from injuries. Presumably that can be improved.) Update: I have a preliminary answer to my own question: squat more. I just read more hacker news while squatting, and the front of my ankles quickly became tired.

Make it a daily habit.

Also, if your injuries involve tendons, ligaments or cartilage, you can feed those tissues with gelatine. You can buy plain gelatine and add hot water, stir vigorously and add a little apple juice for flavor and to cool it to drinking temperature. Consume rapidly before the goo starts solidifying in the cup.

I did this daily for a year or two to help heal old injuries. My impairment improved substantially and was never so bad again.

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

#9
I was 18yo when I first heard of the "Asian squat". I had no problem performing it, and I still have no problem with it at 41. Now I know why: "Short limbs, big heads, and long torsos make it easier to balance." I'm 6' with a 29" inseam and a 7.75 hat size. This may be the only advantage of a 29" inseam that I've found...

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

#10

I was 18yo when I first heard of the "Asian squat". I had no problem performing it, and I still have no problem with it at 41. Now I know why: "Short limbs, big heads, and long torsos make it easier to balance." I'm 6' with a 29" inseam and a 7.75 hat size. This may be the only advantage of a 29" inseam that I've found...

Off topic... but...

MAN... 7.75 is big?

My head is enormous. I never knew.

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