"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Try this: Lower with deep squats

In many Asian countries, the deep squat is learned at a young age—with knees fully bent, hips bent, heels down, hips off the bottom. Currency is used for eating, reading, socializing, resting, and a few household tasks. It can be an indication of fitness because it requires flexibility and mobility within the hips, knees and ankles and lower back strength to drop, hold and rise right into a squat.

Most people find the deep squat difficult at first. But with practice, one can enjoy the numerous advantages of “leaning down.” (Check together with your doctor first if you may have knee, ankle, or hip problems.)

1. Position yourself inside easy reach of a sturdy waist-high stabilizer, equivalent to a table or chair back.

2. Stand together with your feet shoulder-width apart or barely wider and point your toes barely outward.

3. Holding the support, slowly lower your weight until you're in a conventional sitting position. Find your balance, after which sit down comfortably while holding the support. Your heels may come off the ground at first, but as you progress, try to maintain your feet flat.

4. Try to carry this position for 10 to twenty seconds after which use support to arise if needed. Rest for one minute and repeat two to a few more times, resting in between.

As you progress, attempt to go deeper into the squat, hold each squat longer, and eventually avoid using any support in any respect.


Photo: © Maki Nakamura/Getty Images