When was the last time you squatted or performed a deadlift? We are not asking about the last time you squatted with 300 pounds on your back or tried to deadlift 400 pounds, rather, the last time you sat down for dinner, or the last time you picked up a bag of dog food from the ground?
We would venture to guess you have done one of these two with in the last week.
Did you know?
Now what if we told you that there was a proper way to perform these simple but crucial activities that we all take for granted on a daily basis? Do you remember when you learned how to sit down while properly while utilizing your stomach muscles for lumbar support?
Do you remember when you were taught how to use your butt muscles to give you the extra power when deciding to lift that 40 pound bag of dog food instead of the 20 pound bag of dog food?
No way!
We would guess that if we were to tell you squatting 300 pounds and the afore mentioned daily activities are the same when you break the movements down, you would give a little chuckle… but they are! Both require proper back stabilization, proper hip strength, and proper thigh strength. These are the obvious needs for squatting.
These activities also require a significant amount of mobility in the hips, specific knee positioning, and a large amount of ankle movement to keep you balanced throughout the entire movement.
Maybe, maybe not, but safer!
We are not saying that we will be able to get you to be able to squat or deadlift 400 pounds (although – that could happen!), however, we evaluate patients all the time on proper squatting and safe lifting techniques.
Let us remind you – or teach you for the first time – about safe squatting and lifting techniques so together we can try to combat those future aches and pains in your low back, hips, and knees!
