One of the things I love about travelling, is seeing the way people do the everyday things in different countries. There are so many similarities, but many subtle differences that I find intriguing. I start to question why we do things in a different way. Not always because I want to change them, but to figure out how and when the differences came about. On a trip to China back in 2006 I obviously came across a load of cultural differences but one of the things that struck me the most was physical. It was the simple squat.

After 10 years of training and working in gyms I'd always viewed the squat as an exercise used to improve lower body strength. In China the squat seemed to be used as a resting position and, of course, a way of going to the toilet. Well, me being me I thought I'd give it a whirl. To my surprise, I struggled to even get down into a deep squat, let alone stay there for any length of time. I'm pretty sure I lasted about 30 seconds before my hips cramped up while my wife, Colleen, just laughed at me. Not long after we were out for coffee, sitting down chilling out and I noticed some workers on a break across the street. These guys ate lunch, drank green tea, played cards and chain smoked for a whole 30 minutes, all while squatting!!! And here's me struggling with 30 seconds. But why? 

Well, for us westerners it all starts way back at primary school. Up until this point (age 5 or 6) we are free to play, squat and sit on the floor. When you watch kids play they spend hours on the floor, getting in and out of many positions only advanced yogis can achieve with little effort. It's a beautiful thing to watch. Then when primary school starts it all changes. The dreaded chair is introduced! If you have kids you'll know what I'm talking about. They have these miniature desks and chairs made for their size and as they go through school the furniture grows in size with them. Slowly they go from playing on the ground, to sitting for 4-6 hours and gradually they lose their ability to move on the ground! 

Fast forward 20-30 years through primary school, high school, university and an office job and you may find yourself as part of the majority of the population who can't rest in the squat position. Right now you might be thinking 'so what'. Well, being able to sit in a passive squat keeps the ankles, knees, hips and lower back healthy. It requires basic mobility (end range strength of those joints), keeps blood flowing to all the tissues involved and stimulates all the cells in those areas by placing load on them. This will, in turn, reduce the risk of injury to those areas. I've lost count of the amount of people I have helped with lower back or lower body injuries that can't squat - and in each case, relearning this basic movement has played a key role in their long-term recovery and ongoing health.

So, this week if you're up for a mini challenge try adding some squats into your daily routine, see how you feel and how long you can hold for comfortably. I'll keep it that simple. Next week we'll start to explore some simple methods to help revive the lost ability to squat.

Matt McCorkindale has worked as a personal trainer in London and Sydney. Now he’s back in Wellington and ready for his next challenge... to help his fellow Wellingtonians improve and change their lifestyle choices through the Ministry of Movement.