Deep squat for a sit down

I remember when a deep squat like this was SO far off my movement menu. My knees just didn’t like it but you know what the body has an affinity for change and you put your mind to something then you can shapeshift your body 10000%.

Deep squat is all about getting your ankle, knee and hip/back flexibility in check. I worked on this for quite some years via a dedicated Pilates practice. A snapped ACL knee ligament injury was a huge problemo for me for a while but with a sprinkle of dedicated focus, stretching and strengthening my ankles, knees and hips with passionate commitment the deep squat slowly came about.

Some tips for practicing the deep squat :

• Stack up some cushions or layers of clothing and let you heels rest on them if your feet stay lifted in the squat. NEVER force your feet to the ground- look after those achilles tendon
• Stretch your calves and achilles tendon regularly, every day is recommended
• Do knee strengthening exercises to prep the knee for the high flexion (when your knee is very bent essentially in the squat)
• Do ankle strengthening exercises like heel lifts
• Practice deepening your squat in stages over time so gradually you can sink deeper and deeper into your hips

How would being able to deep squat help you?after a day of sitting at a desk?

• Well the deep squat helps bring the spine back into neutrality so if you have been sat at your desk in more rounded position bringing the back into a taller position in the squat will be a welcome change!
• It also stretches out the backs of heels and releases the lower back in rest position in the squat as well as bring some power into the legs- after they may have well become a little lazy from office sitting- especially on the ascent from the deep squat
• Your body CAN do anything that you want it to do- just got to believe and do the movement work...
• If you need help doing the movement work and want to make BIG changes in your body email me on nicola@freeyourspinepilates,com and book a complimentary ZOOM call

Movement Matters!