Why Can't I Get Low on my Deep Squat?

Notice how she's falling forward, and she isn't able to squat below parallel.  An example of poor stability or motor control

 First I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy and healthy holiday season.  I hope it went well for everyone.  And now?  It's time to go back to work on our jobs, our waist lines and our skeletal health.  In that spirit comes my next post.

In the past I've discussed the formula for improving people's bodies.  It goes like this:

1) Reduced/Decrease Pain
2) Improve flexibility/Decrease compensations
3) Improve stability/balance control

Today I'll discuss the 3rd step.

The value of stability and balance can't be understated.  Have you ever noticed how very flexible people still run into pain and injury?  It's because they don't have the 'control' over their body.  They still have a high amount of stress on their body leading to that pain and injury because of a lack of control.

Now when a patient comes in and with pain but they have very good flexibility, I evaluate the quality of my patient's movement control(stability).   The bare bones test of that is the first movement pattern you ever learned....as a baby.  Rolling.

We all knew how to roll at one point

To explain why rolling is important, I first have to define what true motor control (stability) is.  Motor control is the ability to move one area of the body while keeping another area of the body stable, or still.  In other words, a lack of movement.






We look at rolling to see if you can generate enough movement with your arms/upper torso, while maintaining a stable core/hip region.

A demonstration of rolling is in video form here:

Check for yourself at home, see if you are able to roll smoothly from your back to your stomach without kicking up your feet or having your belly button (lumbar spine) lead the way.

Once you demonstrate control with your rolling, then we progress you to a standing position.  This would be an example of you being able to have control of your own movement patterns under the load of your own weight.  Once that is accomplished, then you would have the ability to squat all the way to the ground during an activity like deep overhead squats without falling down or losing your balance.

Fantastic stability and motor control!

Test your rolling and leave a comment saying how hard/easy it was for you.

If you want your stability professionally assessed, contact us at 561.997.8898 in Boca Raton, Fl and Miami, Fl.  Happy rolling! To check out more visit www.Mobility-4Life.com