I have been in the fitness industry for over 28 years. As we have evolved to using iPads and iPhones more, our posture is being challenged more than ever. You can be in great shape and have really strong muscles; yet, if you don’t work on good posture throughout your day, slouching in a chair for hours still puts your body in a state of tension! That’s why body awareness is so important and making the choice to put your body in the best position at all times is the key.
When my clients ask what can I do to remind me to do this through out my day I tell them to use their devices to set alarms to remind them to stop, breath, pay attention and most of all do a posture check. I tell them their quality of life depends on their ability to tune into their body, even on their busiest days.
Posture is not a “one size fits all”
Good posture and alignment indicate where the body has the least physical stress. This varies because everyone’s internal structure is slightly different. Bone variation and tissue damage vary from one person to the next. The best indicator for proper body alignment requires us to tune in.
This is how I teach my clients to develop posture at a deeper level.
Increasing body awareness is the key to maintaining a healthy spine. Our bodies feel better when they are aligned. Try this: sit on the edge of a chair, with feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your hips and imagine your hips are a bucket. Tilt forward and backward slowly and pay attention to what happens below and above the hips. Then find that point in between where you feel like your back is not under tension. This is a practice it takes some time yet you will know when you are there. When you feel like you are there pay attention to your spine and neck.
When they feel light with minimal tension that’s an ideal position for you in that chair. It can change day to day based on the chair you are sitting in and varies whether you are standing seated or lying down. The most important thing is that you are aware and present in your day to make adjustments. This will increase your energy and breathing capacity, focus and most of all decrease repetitive stress injuries.
So what are you waiting for. Get off your buts and your butt and increase your vitality through practicing great body awareness. You deserve to look and feel your best and being mindful and focused on ideal posture will enhance that process!
If you are stuck and need some accountability, call or email me today to book your COMPLIMENTARY consultation to coach you in the direction you want to go. You can reach me at 713-410-3376 or email me at [email protected]. Gift certificates are available! YOGA class on Wednesdays at 12:00pm.
In health,
Birgitt Haderlein
President & CEO
1750 Seamist Dr. Suite 170
Houston TX 77008
713-410-3376
www.tofityou.com
