Third world squat. Ever heard about it? Ever seen it? Can you do it? Don't know what the hell I'm talking about? Let me enlighten you with a few lessons from the "squat squad."
This guy works on my scooter for hours at a time in this same position.
Sup?
People in third world countries hangout in a squatting position. It's common because this is how they've used the toilet their entire lives. Meaning, third world countries use squat toilets (we already know how I feel about those) as their norm, so they can squat like a boss. It's called the "third world squat" because Westerns use normal toilets. Get it?
The correct form is a flat foot with feet shoulder width apart. The hamstring is touching the calf muscle. Your butt is a few inches off the ground. As a kid, you probably rocked this position daily. As an adult, I doubt you can even get close.
Kids, babies, and infants across the world can do it.
People in Asia just hangout in this position no matter what they're doing (i.e. working on scooters, eating, playing games, drinking whiskey, taking pictures, and, literally, anything else).
Seriously? This is comfortable?
Heels? Squat? No problem.
The third world squat is becoming more popular in the Western, fitness world. For people who want to work on their squat form, holding this position is a popular stretching technique... not to mention the other health benefits.
But, let's be serious. It's not easy. You need ankle, quad, and calf flexibility with absolutely fantastic knees.
His feet are touching, and his ass is on the ground - FLAT FOOTED. That's right, I'm talking about the old man on the right, who's at least 60.
No matter where I've gone in Asia, I run into people who can "rock the squat" on incredibly impressive levels. The most bizarre thing is that it must be comfortable for them. Asians seem to love it since they're always squatting when completing every day tasks.
Like packaging coffee... all day... In this same position.
As I've mentioned before, the correct form isn't in the realm of possibilities with ol' bum knee here. But, out of necessity, I've been working on it regardless.
Warning: not my best angle.
No way I can get my feet closer without a knee blowout.
As demonstrated above (Thanks, Erin!), holding on is one of the best options for getting low for Westerners.
I mean, C'MON! If an old man can do it, I should be able to. But, no. It's not possible, and it sure as hell isn't comfortable. Maybe by the time I get my knee replaced, I'll finally become a member of the squat squad. Until then, I'm resigned to the Western way of hanging out: sitting in a chair.