Squatting

I marvel at the ability of the Chinese people to squat - sit - with their feet planted flat on the ground. They have had good practice over the years as going to the WC over "squat toilets" or less sophisticated places to "go" they have had to squat. Safely.

I know little children have this ability to squat like that, but as they grow older and don't use the "squatting muscles" etc they lose this ability. Adult westerners find it very difficult to use the Chinese WC's, which is why he always hunt out modern hotels or restaurants hoping that they will have a western style WC.

But this ability to squat for long hours would be most useful. I see the menfolk squatting for long periods playing cards for example, as there is often no where else to sit. Men waiting for the bus or the train, just rest comfortably in a squatting position. If I even tried, my knees would be so painful. I just can't do it.

I do think using these muscles - especially the pelvic floor muscles would have other benefits too. I suspect that women after giving birth would more easily find their bodies returning to "normal", and there could be a reduction in the problems that western women find after childbirth - e.g. requiring repairs because the pelvic muscles had been damaged beyond repair.

Elderly women often suffer as a result of poor pelvic floor muscles, and I think guys do too, but different.

There seem to be items on the shelves in supermarkets for women with bladder issues, so there are obviously enough with these problems here. I don't know the statistics.

All up though, I just wish I had had the ability to squat. I can think of many times when this "gift" would be useful.

I note that the elderly gardeners at the college can squat for long hours when the weed the grass here. Amazing. (Though some do carry little wooden stools.)