CrossFit is primarily comprised of functional movements, and this is why you
should be able to perform functional movements.
At CrossFit’s core, and at the core of
essential human function, is the squat.
Squatting is an inherent movement
that we do not have to be taught.
Watch any healthy baby or infant, and
notice that at their young age, they
are able to perform a nearly flawless
squat. Most adults, however, seem
to have forgotten how to properly
perform a squat.
A common myth is that squatting low
(or at or below parallel) is bad for us.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
It is vital we actually squat low enough
to engage our hamstrings. Every time
we drive a car, sit down for a meal, use
the restroom and more, we squat—
and we squat low, for that matter.
As we age this becomes even more
essential to our health. Squatting
elicits a positive adaptation in our
bone density—basically, it helps keep
our bones strong, thick and less easily
breakable. As we progress through
life, maintaining a certain level of
mobility and health through increased
functionality can greatly increase our
chances of retaining our independence
throughout our mature years.
Learning how to properly squat, and
safely executing a body weight squat,
is usually the first thing you learn how
to do in a CrossFit gym. If your gym,
trainer or workout program is not
teaching you how to squat, then quite
frankly they are doing you a disservice.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, or
heavy. We can use anything and everything
from assisted squats, to squatting
to and from a box, while learning
how to perform this movement. Even
if we have a pre-existing injury or disability,
there are modifications we can
do in order to maintain the stimulus
of a squat. Upon learning and being
safely able to perform a squat with our
own body weight, we can gradually
introduce loads (kettlebells, medicine
balls, barbells, etc.) to infinitely vary
our squat routines.
By performing squats a couple times
a week, we can keep our knees, hip
flexors, ankles and more healthy and
functional for years to come. So, if you
are already squatting as a part of your
fitness regimen, you are ahead of the
curve and taking the necessary steps
towards a lifetime of freedom and
unrestricted mobility. If you would like
to learn or make sure you are properly
performing a squat, seek out professionals
in your area who know what
they are talking about.
30 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • APR–JUN 2019 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM
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