Each and everyday more and more tired like a stiffed backed Americans are discovering a new and exciting way to squat. The Asian Squat; from the millennium old civilizations that brought to you such hits as sushi, dumplings, umbrellas, Nintendo, martial arts, Toyotas, Tapioca milk tea, pasta, paper, and pandas now comes the squat that is taking America by storm, but what is the Asian squat? Where did it come from? What sets it apart from the Western squat, and most importantly how do you do the Asian squat?
To answer these questions and more we want Dr. Mario Ezekiel Chang-Goldstein famed professor of Squat Mechanics at Rutherford University and Head of the National Institute on Squat Research. He is also the author of the recent book Squat Theory. Dr. Chang-Goldstein believes that the Asian squat first appeared in India, Circa 300 BCE. It then made its way eastward to ancient China where philosophers discovered it to be the ideal position for eating rice.
Today the Asian squat is practiced by over two billion people across Southeast Asia. The Asian squat reduces strain on the patellar tendon by minimizing the horizontal distance between the squatter's knees and toes. Furthermore, balances is easier because the weight of the body is centered over the entire foot. This is because with the Asian squat, the squatter's heel is always touching the ground. In fact Dr. Chang-Goldstein cannot even slide a penny between this squatter's heel and the ground.
The Western squat puts unnecessary strain on the patellar tendon by extending the squatter's knees much farther forward than his toes. Balance becomes a problem because the body's weight is supported only by the balls of the feet. Very little of the foot is ever in contact with the ground in the Western squat. Dr. Chang-Goldstein has no difficulty in placing a penny between this squatter's heel and the ground. Two tests demonstrate the advantages of the Asian squat.
In this test Dr. Chang-Goldstein will first give a firm shove to a student doing the Asian squat, nothing happens. Now, the student doing the western squat; he falls down. The Asian squat is sturdier than the western squat. This test examines the relative comfort of squats over time.
Let's check in after an hour of squatting; the student doing the Asian squat shows no sign of fatigue; in contrast, the student doing the western squat is in considerable pain. The Asian squat is more comfortable than the western squat. In Squat Theory, Dr. Chang-Goldstein outlines a three-step method for the Asian squat. Step one - get ready. The Asian squat is a position for rest, so loosen your limbs before you start. Step two - set your feet. A wider stands is usably preferable to a narrow one. Step three - keep your heels on the ground and squat.
Dr. Chang-Goldstein's book Squat Theory, is due out in paperback this month. So don't get caught doing that other squat anymore; Instead, do the Asian squat. It's dirty, it's comfortable, and it's sexy. Make the change. You'll be glad that you did. Everybody's doing it. All you have to do is remember the three step method - ready, set, and squat. And that's how to do the Asian squat.
The Asian squat is not recommended for those with hypertension, Arthritis, inner ear problems or unusually large breasts.
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