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.
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.
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?
