Yoga for the Professions

Being Neighbourly x Sean Robinson, Yoga instructor

Squat Pose - Great for Domestic Helpers/Housewives

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Domestic helpers are, undeniably, the backbone to Hong Kong. Their dedication to their work affords parents the time to make a living, while living in a house that feels like a home.

The role of a domestic helper is one of the most multifaceted positions – since the responsibilities are ever-changing.

Literally and figuratively, they carry a lot. They carry children and groceries and they also carry the pressure of entertaining, protecting and caring for what is most precious; your children, your homes and your pets. All while being away from their own families.

Staying grounded in such a role cannot be easy. The physical strain (typically on the lower back) from carrying children and heavy groceries needs to be addressed.

It is for this reason, I suggest Malasana, more commonly known as Squat pose.

Why? Squat pose brings us close to the earth. It, quite literally, grounds us. It takes the hip, knee and ankle joint into their full range of motion helping to restore and/or maintain the sort of mobility required for such an active job.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the deep flexion of the hip often results in a release of the muscles surrounding the lower back.

The magic number is five consecutive minutes, but for most people this length may take time to achieve.

Initially, you may choose to support the hips with cushions, yoga blocks or a stack of books. Over time, you may be able to do it without the support.

How to do the pose

Sean Robinson demonstrating the Squat pose.

1. Get into Position

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and toes pointing outward.

2. Go Low

Slowly lower your hips toward your heels.

3. Move your Hands

Bring your palms together at your heart.

4. Refine your Position

Gently press your elbows against the insides of your knees to open your hips.

Tips:

If the pressure on the knees in Malasana is not comfortable, try the Happy Baby pose instead. It’s a similar shape, albeit on a different angle.

Physical Benefits

  • Improves Flexibility and Mobility: Malasana acts as a deep hip opener, stretching the hips, groin, and inner thighs. It also increases the range of motion in the ankles and knee joints, which helps reduce stiffness caused by inactivity.
  • Strengthens Lower Body and Core: Holding the position engages the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, building lower body power and stability. It also fires up core muscles to maintain balance.
  • Relieves Back Pain: By stretching and strengthening the lower back muscles, the pose can release tension and reduce discomfort often caused by prolonged sitting.
  • Enhances Digestive Function: The deep squat compresses the abdomen, massaging digestive organs and stimulating blood circulation, which can help alleviate constipation and bloating.

Mental and Functional Benefits

  • Grounding and Stress Reduction: The pose is considered highly grounding, helping practitioners feel more connected to the earth. It can relieve stress and calm the mind.
  • Improved Posture: Regular practice helps counteract the negative effects of sitting in chairs for long periods by opening the chest and lengthening the spine.
  • Prenatal Preparation: Malasana is often recommended in prenatal yoga for opening the pelvic joints and preparing the body for childbirth.

About the Author

Sean is a self-proclaimed nerd – obsessed with words, anatomy and pedagogy (the art of teaching).

If you’ve been to his classes, or seen his Instagram, you also know he loves to draw. He uses his (child-like) drawings to facilitate his teachings in an attempt to better serve those who, like him, are visual learners.

Before Yoga his primary form of exercise and expression was BMX – a bike designed for performing tricks which is honestly was too small for a person over 6 feet tall.

In his past life he was a speech and language therapist which probably explains the fascination with communication.

Stay tuned for Sean Robinson’s upcoming Yoga for the Professions contributions.

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About the Author

Being Neighbourly

For over 20 years, the people behind BN have been creating content on the best things in life: food, travel and inspirational people.

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