Mobility expert Matt Hsu said mastering the deep squat, often called the "Asian squat," provides significant benefits for overall human health [1].
This movement is critical because it restores a natural posture that promotes joint mobility and flexibility, while helping to prevent various musculoskeletal problems [1, 2].
Although the posture is frequently observed in the streets and plazas of Asian cities, Hsu said the position is universal to all humans [1]. The ability to squat deeply existed since prehistoric times, long before the invention of modern chairs and toilets [1].
According to the MSN Salud editorial team, the squatting position is considered one of the most fundamental movements of the human body [2]. Modern lifestyles, characterized by prolonged sitting in chairs, have distanced many people from this natural range of motion.
"The reality is that this position is the position of everyone," Hsu said [1].
By regaining the ability to perform a deep squat, individuals can improve their functional movement. This practice allows the body to maintain a natural alignment that supports the lower back and hips, areas often strained by sedentary habits [1, 2].
“"The reality is that this position is the position of everyone."”
The shift away from deep squatting toward chair-based living represents a significant change in human biomechanics. Reintroducing this fundamental movement may mitigate the chronic joint stiffness and lower-back pain associated with modern sedentary environments.
