Hey there,
In our fast-paced world, where chairs and couches dominate our sitting habits, it can be fascinating to look back at how we use to sit. One of primarily forms of sitting used to be the resting squat. Amid the modern rush, this ancient stance offers not only a glimpse into our history but also a potential key to unlocking physical and mental well-being.
⌛️ Journey Back in Time
Imagine journeying back millennia, witnessing ancient cultures seamlessly embracing the resting squat as a natural and comfortable way of sitting. The resting squat, characterized by a deep squat with the hips near the floor was an integral part of daily life. From communal gatherings to daily activities like foraging and cooking, this innate posture was a fundamental part of our ancestors’ daily lives.
🪑Evolution and Decline
As societies evolved, the advent of modern furniture and sedentary lifestyles shifted our sitting habits. Chairs and couches became the norm, and the once-prized resting squat started fading into the background. But does it matter?? The way we sit is more than only a seat; its a reflection of our connection to the world around us and a posture that has significant implications for our physical health. The resting squat’s decline in daily use marks a shift in how we engage with our bodies, leading to a modern challenge—stiffness.
🧘♂️ Physical Benefits of the Resting Squat
The resting squat was more than a casual seating choice; it played a vital role in maintaining joint health, flexibility, and overall well-being. It kept the body nimble and resilient, ensuring that daily movements were fluid and effortless. Unlike conventional sitting, the resting squat engages various muscle groups, promoting improved mobility and preventing stiffness. The very act of squatting, with its emphasis on a grounded stance, aligns with our body’s natural biomechanics, encouraging a healthier, more adaptable physique.
😩Modern Struggles
Fast forward to the present day, where many of us struggle with the discomfort of prolonged sitting and the limitations it imposes on our bodies. Rediscovering the resting squat isn’t about nostalgia—it’s a journey back to reclaim a posture that aligns with our biomechanical design. The prevalent issues of back pain, reduced flexibility, and discomfort in daily movements can be attributed, in part, to the absence of this primal posture from our lives. It’s a call to examine our modern habits and explore how reintegrating the resting squat can serve as a remedy to the physical challenges posed by the modern lifestyle.
🕊️ A Sanctuary in Chaos
Beyond its historical significance, the resting squat offers a sanctuary from the chaos of modern life. In a world filled with constant hustle, this primal posture invites us to pause, reconnect with our bodies, and find solace in the simplicity of a squat. In the midst of busy schedules and external pressures, the resting squat becomes a meditative pause—a grounding ritual that provides a sense of calm and centeredness. It’s not merely an exercise; it’s a sanctuary, an opportunity to retreat from the noise and rediscover a moment of quiet reflection.
🌀 Flexibility benefits
Be sure to read the upcoming newsletter, where I take a deep dive into the flexibility benefits the resting squat has if done consistently! Until then, why don’t you try out the resting squat? I recommend spending just a few minutes each day in the position and seeing the impact it has on your overall wellbeing!
Until next time,
Sam
📚What I’m Reading: The soul of my shape by Máirtín McNamara
‘What we do is often outweighed by our attitude in shaping outcomes in our lives’ endeavors. As such, noticing how the body and the mindset affect each other is probably the most valuable experience that can arise from what write’
-Máirtín McNamara
A great and practical book on simple meditations to do in various body positions. It was a great reminder to practice some stillness and explore my body in a variety of static positions. Cultivating an awareness in a variety of positions has already carried over to how interact with the world during daily life.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered health or medical advice. You should consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. Your use of the newsletter is solely at your own risk.
Disclaimer: Book links are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you use the link to purchase! I genuinely enjoy these and think they’re worth a read!
Spending more time in the resting squat (and other variations of floor sitting) is so beneficial to alleviating tightness, stiffness, and pains. Great recommendation!
Thanks Jack! It is an area I have found immensely beneficial for myself and clients! Do you have any experience with it?