A Move You Should Do MONDAY – Latrine Squat Series

Squatting is an important part of life, and yet we sometimes allow our ability to do it to slip away. Today’s move is the Latrine Squat Series which will help you regain your ability to squat. Here’s how to do it:

Find a step stool (or a low chair if you want to start there). Sit down on it and make sure your knees and toes are pointed straight ahead. Sit for a few minutes.
Then place your right hand to the inside of your right foot as you reach your left hand to the ceiling. Take five deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Then place your right hand to the outside of your right foot as you reach your left hand to the ceiling. Take five deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Once you feel comfortable at that level, swap out the stool or chair you are sitting on with something a little lower, like two stacked yoga blocks.
Repeat the rotational series.
Keep lowering the level you are sitting on. Maybe even just sit without adding the rotation. Let your body get used to using this range of motion.

Why does this matter?

Squatting is a fundamental movement for life. Mastering it helps you get down to the ground to pick things up and get up from the ground if you happen to fall. And if you are ever traveling abroad and encounter one of those toilets that is just a hole in the floor, you will see the value of the latrine squat.

Give the latrine squat series a try. Don’t try to make it happen all in one day. Be patient with your body. Allow it to settle into the new range of motion you are working on. Think minutes, not seconds. Your ankles and hips will thank you.

Because nobody has time to be in pain.

Until next time…