Hindu Squats (and maybe Hindu Push-ups?)

Looking through a few lists of body-weight exercises I saw the term "Hindu Squats" mentioned a couple of times. Now, I have traveled to a few countries around the world and know that there are cultural differences to almost everything, but a squat is a squat, right? I mean... first you squat... then you rise... then repeat. How complicated is it really? And how would an Indian do it any differently?

So I have to find out. I begin searching and immediately find a ton of information on it: videos readily available for viewing, step by step descriptions, etc. A veritable smorgasbord was at my disposal. Now I am not going to lie and say I read it all and have the best to share with you, but I found a couple that appealed to me, and I promise you (and my wife) that it has nothing to do with that blond! I can say this because I could not see the picture before I clicked on the link, but I could see the title (Staying Young With Hindu Squats) and that had me intrigued.

Over on Buzzle.com David Nordmark writes:

"Hindu Squats may be the one of the best body weight exercises you can do. Not only do they build strength and endurance throughout the thighs, calves, lower back and chest but they also build incredible lung power. Hindu squats, done properly, are an amazing cardio workout as well."

I had to find out more! Now David doesn't explain how to do a proper Hindu Squat in this article but he links to a site that does. What I liked about his article most was that he emphasizes the breathing. Apparently it's not what we typically think of, exhaling on the movement of most exertion (up for a squat). Oh no, apparently that's not how they do it in India. Read his article for more specifics.

At the end of his article he links to Animal-Kingdom-Workouts.com where they have what I found to be an ample written description of the Hindu Squat and tips on proper performance.

"If you’re a woman, performing this exercise will give you the strong, sexy, toned legs that you want. If you’re a man, your legs will become muscular and your endurance will increase... Another benefit to this exercise is that it will also give you tremendous lung power. If you think your cardio is pretty decent because you can hit the Stairmaster for half and hour or run a few miles without thinking about it, try and do 500 straight Hindu Squats. I guarantee that your lungs will be getting the workout of their lives before you hit 100."

Another site I found was Tom Kurz's Weblog where he has posted a thorough video of him doing both Hindu Push-ups and Squats, with useful commentary. Tom uses them as a cool-down after lifting weights, but as many other sites point out, they are a great workout in and of themselves.

Hindu Squats are easy enough that almost anyone can do them, but with repetition, be it 25 or 500, they are effective enough to be included in a full-fledged workout. I suggest you check out the links and try some yourself!

Staying Young With Hindu Squats [Buzzle] Why HINDU SQUATS are the best Leg Workouts you can do [Animal Kingdom Workouts] Hindu Push-ups and Hindu Squats [Tom Kurz's Weblog]