I can’t do the “Asian Squat”!!! 😭
1 month(s) ago • 147 views • 13 replies
For context I don’t know the proper name of the “Asian” squat. However it’s stereotypically attributed to Asians that adults can squat into a nearly sitting position while maintaining their heels on the ground. I’ve lived in Japan for a few years, not super common there in public settings. Although most of them certainly can do it. However my time in the Philippines is a different story. For years I’ve been envious of how they can sit at bus stops, public areas, wherever for long periods of time very comfortable squat sitting. I’m so jealous! I’ve tried to do it for years and failed miserably. It seems to be that the main issue is not hip mobility or hamstrings, but my actual calves and ankle mobility. BJJ has given me incredible flexibility in very specific movements, but this doesn’t seem to be one of them. Does anyone have specific calf stretching routines, videos, etc? I stretch everyday, do yoga, etc. But I have not made any real progress in a long time. I’m determined to squat sit someday. Please help! |
The "3rd world squat". Lol. I think it's one of those things you gotta train: I used to live in Eastern Europe for 7yrs, so after years of doing anything from taking a shit in this position every day to waiting for long periods of time on my feet at bus stops with no benches, etc, I could bust out "the squat" no problem. These days, not so much. |
Do them leaning against the wall first. Let yourself sink as deep as you can. Next do them leaning forward with your arms out. If your heels have to come off the ground, they have to come off the ground. As time passes, try to lean a little farther back allowing your heels to come closer or touch the ground. As your ankle ROM increases, you can sit further and further back until eventually, your back with be almost straight and you'll be able to squat comfortably. |
I know you said it doesn't work for you but for me doing yoga quite regularly about 5-6 years ago helped me get there. Malasana is pretty much this position. I remember that initially I was starting from too narrow stance and I had to get my knees quite wide to the outside to keep my heels on the ground when lowering my butt. With time I was getting more flexible and could get my knees a bit closer together which allowed me to get my ass lower. |
"The '3rd world squat'. Lol. I think it's one of those things you gotta train: I used to live in Eastern Europe for 7yrs, so after years of doing anything from taking a shit in this position every day to waiting for long periods of time on my feet at bus stops with no benches, etc, I could bust out 'the squat' no problem. These days, not so much." I think that term might be a tad offensive lol. |
"I know you said it doesn't work for you but for me doing yoga quite regularly about 5-6 years ago helped me get there. Malasana is pretty much this position. I remember that initially I was starting from too narrow stance and I had to get my knees quite wide to the outside to keep my heels on the ground when lowering my butt. With time I was getting more flexible and could get my knees a bit closer together which allowed me to get my ass lower." Thank you for this insight. I haven’t been consistent with yoga and have only tried it off and on over the years. Maybe if I stick with it and work specific stretches it will happen for me 😆 |
"Do them leaning against the wall first. Let yourself sink as deep as you can. Next do them leaning forward with your arms out. If your heels have to come off the ground, they have to come off the ground. As time passes, try to lean a little farther back allowing your heels to come closer or touch the ground. As your ankle ROM increases, you can sit further and further back until eventually, your back with be almost straight and you'll be able to squat comfortably." I will try this soon, thank you! |
"I think that term might be a tad offensive lol." Ok then. The Slavic squat. Heels on the ground, comrade found. Heels in the sky, Western spy. Pete's right though: the trick is to widen your knees out to the side. Wide as you need to so your butt falls in between your heels. It's almost like he's Slavic or something. 😅 |
Jump onto 2 boxes, one foot on each box. Grab something heavy and lower that weight in between the boxes until it is below the soles of your feet. Let the weight pull you down. Relax and do not resist. Stay there as long as you can. Repeat until someone passes you and hands you a cigarette or sunflower seeds. |
"Jump onto 2 boxes, one foot on each box. Grab something heavy and lower that weight in between the boxes until it is below the soles of your feet. Let the weight pull you down. Relax and do not resist. Stay there as long as you can. Repeat until someone passes you and hands you a cigarette or sunflower seeds." That's a good idea actually, I'll add that into my routine |
"That's a good idea actually, I'll add that into my routine" what I mean: https://youtube.com/short[...]nSBi8HT934 |
