Story Time Squat: Why I Squat After Hiking
After hiking the Grouse Grind for an hour and a half, most people would think: “Why squat now?” But for me, squatting is the reset. It softens the puffiness in my calves and ankles, restores circulation, and brings my whole body back into flow.
My History with Squatting
Growing up in Japan, squatting was natural — it was part of daily life. But I was told it would make my legs bow-shaped, and for years I avoided it out of fear. When I moved to Canada, I noticed how much chair culture dominates. People rarely sit on the floor or squat. That’s when I realized: squatting isn’t harmful — it’s healing.
Squat as Medicine
For me, squatting is not just an exercise. It’s a way to:
Release tension from the calves and ankles
Rehydrate fascia and improve circulation
Gently decompress the spine and hips
Reset between movements — whether it’s after dance, hiking, or teaching
I squat between dance classes. I squat after a hike. I squat whenever my body calls for release. What once felt like a “bad habit” has become one of my greatest tools for resetting my system.
The Science of Squatting
Modern research supports what I’ve felt in my body:
Squatting improves blood and lymphatic flow
It strengthens the core, hips, and lower body naturally
It supports digestion by gently massaging the abdominal organs
It helps maintain mobility and joint health as we age
Safety Tip
If you’re new to squatting, remember: when you come back up, do it slowly. Keep your head down and lift your hips first. You might feel a rush of blood and get lightheaded — that’s normal. It’s your body recalibrating.
Watch the Story Time Squat 🎥
I recorded this moment right after finishing the Grouse Grind — dropping my backpack, squatting, and letting my body reset at the top of the mountain. You can watch the video here:
Much love,
Ikue | Dance & Fascia Oracle™💃💞
