Sentences that start with the phrase “A guru once told me…” are, more often than not, eye-roll-inducing. But recently, while resting in malasana, or a deep squat, in an East London yoga class, I was struck by the second half of the instructor’s sentence: “A guru once told me that the problem with the West is they don’t squat.”
I appreciate the thought but while it may be a healthful exercise it’s not a useful working position - just like planking. When I need to get low to the ground it’s usually for some working purpose so I need both hands. Safety is a consideration, too. Active balancing may be good for the brain but falling over is not.