Maui Squat

I'm writing this in Hawaii. It's been storming here the entire time. I thought that 5 vacation days would be enough, but I'm starting to think that I could use a few more (sunny) days.

Since there isn't that much for two pregnant ladies, a ten-month and a three-year old, and one gracious husband to do with all the weather, I decided it was time to teach squatting. It is always appropriate it teach squatting. Even to your friends on video while on vacation.

Kara (not her real name, just kidding) is a world-renown speech pathologist and autism specialist. And even though she helps a jillion people around the world, she has never squatted using her butt. I am a butt specialist that likes to talk a lot. See why we're such good friends?

She and I have been on vacation together before kids and husbands. Back when we had more education then we had sense. If you want any incriminating evidence on me, she's your gal.

(Cue thunder. Seriously???)

Squatting is a very necessary thing to be able to do, but here's the thing: squatting takes a long time to be able to do safely. If you've never really squat, your muscles are too tight to allow your joints to open freely. Which is why so many therapists don't recommend squatting. I recommend squatting, but before you get to that, I recommend squat-preparing. But, because we need butt strength now, there has got to be a way to do a smallish squat with butt benefit while working on those tight hamstrings, psoas, and calves.

Kara put down her M&Ms and has generously agreed to demonstrate a modified version of a squat using a chair. And lots of wind, palm trees, and small children. Sorry about the audio. There appears to be a hurricane or something just offshore.

The basic gist is, keep your shins vertical while squatting to make sure you're using your butt. If your ankle angle decreases to less than 90° while squatting (i.e. your knees move forward) then you're using the front of the thighs and not the booty.

Have fun.

P.S. If you know of anyone who has an open rental in Maui over the next week, let me know, ya?