People swear by doing ‘Yogi Squats’ to increase mobility

As you age, maintaining mobility is essential for a good quality of life. Staying active keeps your bones, body and mind in top shape so you can function independently. Here’s a little newsflash: People swear by doing ‘yogi squats’ increase mobilityand the exercise really seems to work! We spoke to a trainer who talks all about yogi squats and how they can help you maximize your mobility and overall fitness as you age.

How Do Yogi Squats Improve Flexibility and Mobility?

Yogi squats activate multiple muscles and joints, improving mobility and flexibility. The squat position stretches your inner thighs, hips, groin, back torso and ankles while building strength in the legs, knees, feet and lower back, explains Valerie Meyer, ERYT-500 and business trainer for YogaZes. Maintaining a high posture in the pose also creates space in your spine and lumbar spine.

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Incorporating yogi squats into your mobility workouts offers many benefits. First, this exercise activates and strengthens key muscles in your lower body, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

“By strengthening the lower body and core muscles, yogi squats can help improve posture and balance,” says Meyer. “(The) yogi squat is a deep hip opener that allows practitioners to reach and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, releasing stiffness and tightness from the hips, legs and lower back. Regular practice of this pose increases flexibility in the hip and knee joints, the body preparing for other yoga poses. The position of the hands helps strengthen the chest and shoulders, improving blood circulation and flexibility.

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How to do it:

1. Stand tall with your feet hip-distance apart and turned slightly outward.
2. Bend both knees and lower your glutes toward the floor as you descend into the yogi squat.
3. Maintain an elongated spine and open your thighs wide so that your torso moves between them.
4. Bring your hands to the center of your heart.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing Yogi Squats

When performing yogi squats, there are a few things to keep in mind.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

“Some people hold their hips above the knees and their weight too far forward (into the balls of their feet),” Meyer warns. “This position does not allow their body to fall into position. If this is a problem, use some blocks to sit on.”

Additionally, your heels may rise when you squat. To improve your balance, place a folded blanket under your heels for extra support. “Otherwise, the pose will put more pressure forward instead of downward,” adds Meyer.

Alexa Mellardo