Why You Can't Asian Squat (And the Benefits You're Missing)

I was born in Hong Kong of missionary parents and lived in South China, Hong Kong, and Japan a number of years. I have always considered the “Asian Squat” as a very normal posture and I still use this stance, especially when working on my car; however, now that I am 85 years of age, I have no trouble getting into the squat, but getting out of it is another story.

I'm half asian and half slav and joke that I'm genetically optimized for deep squatting

I am 70 years old from Scotland and have started to embark on the skill of squatting. This video is so helpful and has encouraged me to do this practice every day.

I was living in an multi cultural area of Australia in the early 70’s and sat like this without really thinking too much about it. I’m in my 60’s now and can still effortlessly do it.

I am Chinese and got an ankle fraction this year. After the surgery, one of the most important things my doctor concerned about is whether I can do Asian squat again. True story.

My grandmother gardened in the “Asian Squat” position until she was in her late nineties, even though she wasn’t Asian. She just did it her whole life so it was always easy for her. She also wore cotton, flowing dresses and a wide brimmed straw hat. I remember her always looking so elegant and comfortable squatting in her large vegetable garden.😍

I decided to review all the comments to my post 11 months ago. Thank you for all the kind comments. I am now 86.5 years of age and am still in fairly good health. Just last week my wife (age 80) and I decided to try the "Asian Squat." She did not do well and I was still able to go completely down with no problem. If I don't stay in the squat long there is no problem standing up. But if I stay in this position too long, standing up is difficult. I remedy this by pushing up off my knees to get into an upright position (but then all my blood rushes to my legs and that creates another problem).

I learned about this squat through my love of K dramas and comics. I've tried doing it but joint pain makes me think it's impossible. You've encouraged me to work towards it, 5 mins a day! Sounds like all good things! My child does this position and I understand why so many cultures do! The really sad thing is that my sis in law came over from S. Korea and was living (and shopping) with my parents while my bro was in the military. My mom was so embarrassed by her Asian Squatting in the grocery store or whenever she was tired that she told her no one does that and she shouldn't do that anymore, and I don't think she does. This will be my goal, to have me and my child Asian squat in the store to embarrass my mother.

I had no idea this position was even called 'the asian squat' but I've been doing it for years. Looking after kids, its a real knee saver on concrete

I started doing the squat over 30 years ago to prepare for natural childbirth. It works wonders for positioning the baby in the pelvis and preparing the muscles for an easier birth.

I love it! I’m a 59year old woman with both hips replaced in 2016 and 2017. I find it incredibly stable and relaxing. I use it and crab walk when pulling weeks and planting plants in my landscaping.

I am 75 and have been working on this for a couple months. This has helped my back and legs alot. I have learned if your mind can visualize doing this your body will follow. Much respect!

I was in China in 2019 for work. I was squatting to look at some wiring on a machine and one of my Chinese colleagues freaked out when he saw me in the Asian squat. He said he read an article that claimed it was physically impossible for white people to do it. It was great blowing his mind and showing how much more similar we all are.

"Realize the process may not be comfortable and commit to it anyway" feels like the best piece of overall life advice I've seen in awhile.

your vids are awesome. i'm glad you're doing these. They connect with the audience and show benefits and realistic how-to for busy people. Thanks again

Your examples shots are really great and funny all the time. Very thoughtful

Also known as the Slavic squat :) Actually people around the world use this position. Definitely good for flexibilty and leg strength.

What an ego boost! I'm a 70-year-old Caucasian and I've always been able to do it. I needed some good news today.

Wow. I'm 56 and in medium physical shape. I looked at this and thought, oh my, I'm going to have to do the exercises (found in your other video) for weeks and months! And then, I went outside, was pulling weeds, and squatted, no problem! WOOHOO! :) Great video!

Thank you. After living decades in Europe, found I couldn't do it without losing balance . Thanks for your 3 tips on building muscles back.