Deep Squats and Going to the Bathroom

One of the critiques I have heard about the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is how unrealistic it is for people to complete a proper squat. In Gray Cook's Movement, he discusses how if you look at 3rd world countries, the majority of people (even elderly individuals) can still assume the deep squat position. The reason is that they don't have the indoor plumbing we have and must complete a bowel movement by doing a deep squat. If you look at babies, they perform deep squats without any issues. It is part of our normal development as humans.

Not only do some individuals go to the bathroom in the deep squat position because they don't have toilets, but it also is beneficial for our gastrointestinal system. In the video below, you will note that the colon actually becomes constricted in the posture acquired when using the toilet due to the abnormal pull on the puborectalis. By sitting in a deep squat, the muscle relaxes and restriction is removed from the colon. As the video discusses, this may play a role in why 1st world countries have so many gastrointestinal issues.

With what we are learning about squat position and going to the bathroom, it's not just crossfitters that should be concerned with squat depth, but the entire population. It may be that trying to improve the squat form and depth should become a preventative measure. It's another sign that our sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role with the many degenerative conditions in 1st world countries. In addition to improving squat depth, perhaps we should be more proactive in issuing devices like the one shown below to help with completing a bowel movement, especially in those with low back pain and/or pelvic floor dysfunction.

-Chris

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