Do I need to squat now? Tips to make squatting easier.
One of the main tips we get when pregnant, especially in yoga and fitness classes, is to squat in preparation for labor.
Why? Strong glutes will help balance out the weight pulling us forward and stabilize the pelvis. Many women prefer to birth in a squatting position, as it opens the pelvis and uses gravity to help baby descend, and why not get some practice in ahead of time?
It’s also a wonderful way to take some stress off your lower back. Getting into a squat and imagining your ears moving away from your tailbone will allow the spine to lengthen and ease that compressed feeling in the lumbar area.
But if a squat is new to you, you might feel daunted - that’s ok.
The good news is…
This is a squat:
Can’t get heels down?
Try a yoga mat or folded blanket. Even though your heels are boosted, you can still drop your weight into them, and think of lengthening your body from your heels to your head.
And this is a squat:
Floor feel really far away today?
BOOST under your sit bones! Allow the knees to move forward of your pelvis and away from each other.
And this is a squat:
It’s OK if you have to boost a lot.
My hip, knee, and ankle joints are folding, and the knees are higher than the hip joint here, so this still counts as a squat!
A squat can be a great break from chair sitting!
Can you do a supported squat while: folding laundry or watching your favorite show?
How is your squat going? What questions do you still have? Let me know in the comments or by sending me an email!
For further help, see me for hands-on, individualized coaching at your location in Chicago or via Skype.