Let's Talk about Optimal Position

Many people will come to me who have a history in sports or have an area of expertise.

They may even have seen another healthcare practitioner. They may even have seen me. And for one reason or another, they have decided that there's only one way to do something. I'm going to use the example of squats here.

I have a personal bias towards squats. I think they're great. I think they allow us to get up and off a chair and keep us mobile well into our older ages. But what if somebody taught you only one way to squat? Is this the one and only ‘right way’?

Examples I have heard include:

• chest up but then no knees over toes.

• exhale on the way up, or exhale on the way down.

• Brace your core.

• Don't let your shoulder slump.

• Eyes forward

and the list goes on.

The first thing I want to say is none of these things are essentially wrong. And the person who taught you, meant this with the best intentions as all of us do. But did they take into consideration what felt good for your body?

For example, I personally have a bit of a knee issue. I tend to have my feet slightly turned in to reduce my knee pain. I can also do it with my feet turned out and flat four facing forward. It just depends on how I feel on that day.

I'm working towards building my strength in lots of different directions. Because the reality is I don't squat. I sit down on a chair exactly the same way every day. But I want to be able to do those things without having to consider my position.

So if you have a way to squat that bothers you, how about you change it? Maybe let your shoulders relax or don’t worry so much about your knees. If you want to improve your squats and get stronger. do it more often. Do it in more ways.

If you want to improve your squats, or any other movement for that matter, let's chat.

Nicola Robertson

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist