Last time I addressed posture I had you face down on the mat strengthening the back of your shoulders into proper alignment. Today we release tension in the neck, chest and front of the shoulders to facilitate perfect posture. The most typical hunch or rounding of the shoulders stems from a weak upper back and tight chest and shoulders.
Stretching these tight areas is not only the first step in building a balanced shoulder girdle, but a major relaxation and confidence exercise. When we stand taller with open hearts our confidence and energy sky rocket. Aligning the body aligns the attitude.
Tension held in the back of the neck specifically can cause headaches and damage to the vast nerve network buried within the first and second vertebrae. Most people aren’t aware they hold their body in bizarre postures. Like forward head…
Look familiar? Say no to forward head forever!
Let’s brush those cobwebs out and build awareness so we can change debilitating movement patterns. Pilates is all about rewiring your movement patterns and musculature into ideal alignment so you can move pain free with ease and efficiency.
Follow along with me…
Where is the first place you hold stress in your body? I’m going to go out on a limb and assume it’s in your shoulders and neck. I hope this video provides some relief and new techniques you can use daily before, during and after school or work.
Your Challenge: Keep tabs on your head neck and shoulder awareness throughout the day. When do you allow the bones to fall out of alignment? Is it when you’re hovering over your lunch, typing on your lap top, peering at you iphone screen or slouching during a chit chat with a friend. Building your body awareness is the first baby step in changing your posture for good.
There are some pretty awesome online assessment tools for bloggers and other desk workers on Trendhunter. You can even take a quick test to see what your true “posture age” is. According to the research that led to the MBT ‘Posture Age’ site, the Internet has put us out of touch with our bodies (um no surprise there!) 74% of bloggers reported backache, a headache or eyestrain due to their extended computer use. Most bloggers (95%) access the Internet in front of the TV, and in bed (94%). 61% even go online when they are on the toilet. Haha…I’m totally guilty!
I’m in the process of developing a series of videos for posture. Would you be interested?
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I was just talking to my mom about how ever since I stopped singing I’ve let my posture degrade. I definitely need this video!
yes singing and dancing or anything related to being on stage forces you to practice good posture. Love it!
I would LOVE a series of videos on posture! This is such an important and topic and I don’t think there is nearly enough focus on it in the health and wellness industry. Posture is such a great indicator of our overall health. It’s really amazing how much bad posture leads to so many other physical ailments.
I couldn’t agree more. The key is prevention. Most people don’t think about their bodies until something starts to malfunction or pain creeps in. I align with the more eastern philosophies that aim to prevent illness rather than just cover up symptoms when they arise. Prevention and consistency are key to ultimate longevity and epic living. Thanks for your support Raam. I hope India is all you hoped it be!
This is fabulous. I turn into such a hunchback after sitting at my computer for more than 30 minutes!
I would definitely be interested in a series on posture!
You know how you find stuff all over the internet and then you’re like “Oh, that’s cool, I’ll have to try that sometime,” or “I’ll bookmark this and come back to it when…” Well I actually followed along with this video the first time I came across it, and it made SO MUCH difference, right then and there! The fact that I can feel the stretching and the opening, etc. tells me what I need to work on, AND that these moves really work. I’m going to start and end each day with this video for a week and see where it takes me.
Sarita- fabulous! I am so glad you enjoyed the practice. Doing it every morning will drastically increase your awareness of your breath and posture. I will have more details about the focus group by the end of the week. I am swamped with my live clients.
Being swamped with clients is a good thing, right?
Congratulations.
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