Hindu Squats
I have heard claims that hindu squats can lead a person to experience a “higher state of consciousness.” Well, sorry to dissappoint, but I can’t address that claim from my own experience. They are an interesting exercise, though.
A key and controversial point about hindu squats is that your knees go well past your feet at the lowest part of the exercise.
Some people will tell you that this will RUIN your knees, some say it is a miracle cure to SAVE them. I would say, use your best judgement.
If you have a history of knee injuries, I would skip this exercise, but if not…
If it hurts, stop.
If it feels good, keep doing it.
Personally, I don’t do these squats too often. I much prefer bodyweight squats, which, I feel, are better at developing the all-important athletic abilities of the posterior chain: hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
But, some people really dig doing these, so have a look below and try them out for yourself!
Once you get the coordination down, try to do these squats as fast as you can while maintaining perfect form.
A note on the breathing: Allow your breath to be pushed OUT on the way DOWN, and breathe IN as you rise UP.
Start
Start with your feet flat on the ground, about shoulder width apart.
Your arms should be straight out as shown.
Exhale throughout the descent to the bottom of the hindu squat.
Descend
Complete your inhale as you pull your arms toward your chest.
Begin to exhale as you bring your hands down your back as you descend into the squat, keeping your back vertical.
Lift your heels as you lower into the squat position.
Continue to exhale.
Bottom of Squat
Descend until your thighs are parallel with the ground, with arms and hands pointing straight down as shown.
Heels should be well off the ground at this point.
Finish exhaling.
Rise Up
Without bouncing, in one fluid motion, begin to inhale as you raise your arms up and rise out of the squat, pushing from your legs.
Back to Start
Return back to the starting position.To do more repetitions, continue to inhale as you pull your arms toward your chest, exhale as your arms and body go down into the squat, as shown above.