How The Asian Squat Completely Changes the Human Body

We Were Built for This

Walk through any market in Asia and you'll see people sitting in a deep squat for hours. Relaxed, comfortable, no strain. Try it yourself and you'll probably fall over within 10 seconds.

This isn't because they're more flexible. It's because they never stopped doing it. We did.

What We Lost

The deep squat is the most natural resting position for the human body. Every toddler does it perfectly. But in Western countries, we sit in chairs from age 5 onwards and gradually lose the mobility we were born with.

The result: tight ankles, stiff hips, weak glutes, lower back pain, poor digestion, and reduced pelvic floor function. All from losing one basic position.

What Happens When You Bring It Back

Hip mobility opens up. Your hip flexors lengthen, your external rotators activate, and movements like squats and deadlifts feel completely different. Most guys who can't squat deep have a mobility issue, not a strength issue.

Ankle flexibility improves. Tight ankles are the number one reason people's knees cave in during squats. The deep squat stretches the calves and soleus, improving dorsiflexion over time.

Lower back pain decreases. A deep squat decompresses the lumbar spine. It's essentially traction therapy you can do anywhere.

Digestion improves. The deep squat position opens up the ileocecal angle, which is why many cultures use squat toilets. It's the position your body was designed to eliminate in.

How to Get It Back

Start by holding onto a doorframe or pole for balance. Sit into the deepest squat you can, keeping your heels down. Hold for 30 seconds. Do this 3-5 times a day.

Gradually increase the time. Within 4-6 weeks, most people can hold a comfortable deep squat for 2+ minutes without support.

Add It to Your Routine

I sit in a deep squat for 2-3 minutes before every training session. It's the best warm-up I've found. Hips open, ankles mobilised, spine decompressed. All from one position.

Your body was designed for this. Give it back what it lost.