05/29/2025
Over the years I've become more interested in the yoga shapes (asana) that serve a direct function in our daily lives. One of those poses is known as Malasana, or Garland Pose, and although there are more elaborate versions of it, the essence of it is a Deep Squat.
Deep Squats, when your bum lands close to your heels, are a way to rest without chairs, go to the bathroom in the wild, clean a low surface, pick up objects, tie your shoes... really -- there are countless uses for this move.
Two other things sparked this particular increased interest:
1) Realizing that my dad, now in his 70s, is a squatting master. He's labored all of his life, and I still see him squatting down to stir a paint can, or assemble something. I didn't realize how special that is until after I became a physical therapist!
2) Published research that came out in the last 10 years that tracks the correlation between being able to get on / off the floor without your hands and mortality. In other words, the easier of a time you have getting up and down, the greater your chances of not dying sooner than later.
So these are two of my inspirations.
In my workshop Deep Squat Decoded (Sunday June 8, online) I have a robust power point that looks at research, offers plentiful options for those with knee pain, ankle limitations, or even hip and low back issues.
I really aim for my teaching to be inclusive and empowering, not discouraging. So if you are SO discouraged about your potential for the deep squat, please show up -- I think it will be a great workshop with a little something for everybody.
Register here:
Learn tips on gaining comfort in the deep squat, known as malasana in yoga, with doctor of physical therapy Ariele Foster in this 2 hour, sliding scale, online workshop.
