Getting down into the bottom range of motion in the Squat is a fundamental human movement pattern that we’ve lost because of all the sitting we do.
We don’t need to think anymore about it.
But is getting down deep into the Squat an absolute necessity?
You could argue against it because in modern western society, we really don’t have to get into this position all the time.
For some sports, yes, but just normal day-to-day activities, we can avoid it completely.
The thing is doing so definitely helps to maintain full flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles, it helps your digestive system do it’s thing because in this position, your guts press up against each other at the same time your anus is opened up (weird, but reality and come on, we’re all adults here).
Plus, I want my body to be able to do everything it was designed to do.
I don’t want to be robbed of my natural movement ability.
And getting down there is fun, especially when you’ve got people down there to play with.
Today’s exercise I call the Deep Squat Prayer Pushup and it will help you get further down and more comfortable when you’re down there.
A good test of this is to get down into the deep Squat and feel what it’s like to hang out down there for a minute or two, then stand and walk around for a minute, do this exercise, then stay down in that deep Squat position to compare.
If you do this test, let me know what it feels like in the Comments.
As always with the exercises I share with you, TECHNIQUE is critical, so pay close attention to the pointers in the video and follow-along and watch a few times.

It’s also a great idea to bookmark/save/share/whatever you have to do to ensure you can come back to this video to further refine your form.
So try it out and let me know how it feels in the Comments and if you’ve got any favourite Squat mobility exercises.
[…] the deeper we squat, the […]
[…] the deeper we squat, the […]
Excellent deep squat. Your instructions are fully and clearly demonstrated. Thanks for giving all of the important information on what is happening to our muscles and bones during the squat. Much appreciated.
Oooh! Like this! Took me a while to get all the way down but my Achilles tendons and lower back that I strained the other day Double KB front squatting – when I wobbled following a female distraction – thank you! 10 reps and I was self supporting, with my heels on the ground just hanging out showing off to myself! Good man Eric!
Currently struggling to get my heels to the ground but enjoyed the exercise
What to do with very tight ankles and Achilles?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlNw8Qj2LKk
I thought the reason why I don’t deep squat comfortably is because I have stiff ankles. Cuz felt tightness at ankles instead of flexors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlNw8Qj2LKk
Since I teach yoga, it is the beginning of bird or pigeon pose. And yes it is great for the hips! I love how you just bring it forward as a pushup.
I don’t have much experience with Yoga so don’t know the names/poses but it’s definitely good to know, thanks for sharing Judy.