Live Whole Health #257: You should know Squat!

Give your knees some help! Think about how often you squat to reach for something in a low cabinet, pick up a box or basket of laundry, sit on a chair, and yes…even sit on the toilet!

As humans we use squats for many activities in our lives, making it a movement pattern that is nearly impossible to avoid. Improving how you squat will help strengthen many of the muscles that support your knees. Dr. Theresa Larson, DPT leads you through a 4-minute Pause Squat exercise to mindfully give attention to what is going on in our bodies when we squat.

Is it time to start moving your body more?

An active lifestyle decreases the risks of long-term health problems. Moving regularly decreases inflammation in the body which is at the center of many diseases.

Moving your body on a regular basis lowers your risk for some types of cancer, fatty liver disease, chronic pain, arthritis and even dementia. It also helps relieve anxiety and depression. Some comprehensive practices—which include movement, such as yoga, Tai Chi, and qigong—can also help you practice mindfulness and other skills.

Consider the results you’d like to focus on, such as improving strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion and the mind-body connection. 

Moving your body doesn’t have to involve working out in a gym or joining a sports team—you can bike, walk, swim, garden, play a sport, or play with a child or an animal. You can exercise on your own or with a group, or whenever it works for you. Any activity is better than none; even a few minutes a day is beneficial. It’s important to choose activities that you enjoy because you’ll stick with them!

Many activities which include movement, such as yoga, Tai Chi, strength training, and aerobics, can be modified for people with limited mobility due to chronic pain or injury.