“A deep squat is a human rest position”—a physical therapist explains the benefits of a deep squat and how to break up with chairs for good
When Americans want to relax, we almost universally default to sitting on a couch. But we’re missing out on a much healthier alternative: the deep squat “A deep squat is a human rest position,” says Dr Zaki Afzal, a physical therapist and owner of Optimize Physical Therapy and Performance. Latest Videos FromFit&Well He explains that regularly resting in this position will maintain mobility in your hips, knees and ankles, while also ensuring you have the strength to get up and down from the floor. That’s a useful skill to have, as research from the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology tells us that the ability to get from a floor-sitting position to a standing position without aid is a predictor of longevity. You may like “It isn’t that squatting magically adds years; it’s that the ability to squat and rise is a readout of the mobility and strength that keep you independent,” says Afzal. But if you don’t have the mobility to do a deep squat, you’re not alone. Start your week with achievable workout ideas, …
