What are Hindu squats?
Squats are a staple of weight lifting strength building routines for the lower body. Hindu squats are a similar exercise movement done without barbells and using your body weight along with synchronized breathing at a fast tempo. This enhances endurance and strengthens the lungs, chest and lower back as well as toning and working the lower body. Doing a set of 25 (or what is comfortable) to start will give you an idea about their superb calorie burning effectiveness.
How are they done?
There are a number of demonstration videos on YouTube as well as professional videos for sale that show the technique much better than a written description. A free, short YouTube video produced by www.power-fitness.info was available as this article was being written. Here is the link.
There were a number of alternative videos that I found on YouTube if the video linked above is no longer available. Just go to YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ and search “Hindu squats” to bring up a selection of current videos on this subject..
I have purchased the Matt Furey Combat Conditioning DVDs which features the exercise and demonstrates it well. Under sources for additional information, I’ll post links to websites with text descriptions on performing them with the proper form. But I really believe seeing them performed is more helpful.
Risks?
With all exercise programs you are advised to consult with your physician and listen to your body. Proper form is essential as with most exercises, and you may have a condition that would not be appropriate for this exercise. Pain is a warning and is not part of a healthy, sensible exercise program.
The winner of the 1909 Indian National Championship in wrestling was Ghulum Mohammed, the Great Gama, whose training regimen was said to include performing 500 Hindu squats a day and as many as 9000 at a time. Undefeated in over 5000 matches it would seem the high repetitions of them favored for centuries by Indian wrestlers is not inherently damaging. But you are the ultimate authority on your body and must make the risks to rewards decision yourself.
Something new.
In writing this article I came across a method for doing Hindu squats that was referred to as Pavel’s Ladder that I haven’t tried yet but intend to. Pavel Tsatsouline is one of my favorite writers and has a great book on body weight exercises called The Naked Warrior. Check out Pavel’s Ladder method at: http://www.zimbio.com/Hindu+Squats/articles/5/Pavel+Ladder+Hindu+Squats
No equipment is needed.
Serious calorie burning with Hindu squats can be an effective technique in meeting your health and fitness goals. No excuses about being too busy to make a trip at the gym or not having the room necessary for weight lifting.
Sources and additional information on Hindu squats.
Matt Furey – http://www.mattfurey.com/hindu_squats.html
Power Fitness – http://www.power-fitness.info/
The Great Gama – http://www.bodyweight-calisthenics-exercise.com/great-gama.html (bethaks are another name for Hindu squats)
The Great Gama – http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Unorthodox-Leg-Exercises-That-Will-Whoop-You-Into-Shape-In-No-Time-Flat&id;=727979
Combat Fitness – http://www.frixo.com/sites/fitness/exercises/hindusquat.html
Pavel Tsatsouline – http://www.powerbypavel.com/
