Do you wonder why certain people grab your attention when they walk into a room? Have you ever marvelled at someone with great posture? I have.  So much of life is based on first impressions. Improving posture may or may not be first on the list of goals for Pilates participants.  However, the BENEFITS of correcting bad posture cannot and should not be overlooked. Improvements may include:  Reduced back and neck pain, less stress on all the body’s joints (spine, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles), easier breathing in daily life & sport activities, shoulders that are no longer wrapped around the ears, ease of movement for daily living – walking, stairs, standing, sitting in front of the computer, driving, enhanced recreational & sports performance, and reduced risk of injury.
 
Improved posture also means reduced stress – physical, emotional, and mental! If the body is in balance, the brain doesn’t have to work (or overwork) to keep over tense muscles on tension. Balance should be easy and effortless. A body off-balance will require some initial effort to strengthen the muscles that have been on holiday. Over time, as these weaker muscles become stronger – the long term goal is efficient, effortless ease of movement – Good balance & Great Posture.

Is your body off-center? If so how long has it been that way? Examples of posture issues: Probably one of the most common postural distortions is the Forward Head, forward rounded shoulders posture. This postural problem often appears in teenagers and progresses to old age. It is a posture problem that can be caused by several different factors including sleeping with your head elevated too high, extended use of computers, lack of developed back muscle strength and or lack of nutrients such as calcium. Or perhaps you have you noticed your posture gradually shifting? With age are you getting shorter, (Gee I used to be so much taller!) developing body posture tending to Kyphosis, Lordosis, or a functional Scoliosis?  Do you have neck pain, shoulder pain, back, hip, or knee pain? Current posture habits might be a contributing factor.

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many things you can do to help make improvements. Pilates is one of those things you can do.
Practicing good posture reinforces the principles of better body alignment learned through the Pilates Method.   What makes Pilates so important with respect to posture is that Pilates trains us to develop and use core strength, rather than holding our position with superficial musculature.Using the deep core muscles of the powerhouse – the abdominals, back, and pelvic floor – to support our posture allows the shoulders to relax, the neck and head to move freely, and relieves stress on the hips, legs, and feet.

 

If you stand with locked knees (you might experience knee pain) – keep the knees slightly soft when standing. The hamstring muscles will work harder to help support the knee joint.

 
If you sit with crossed legs – chances are it’s usually the same leg. Sit with both feet flat on the floor, or if you have to cross, cross at the ankles.

 
Learn to breath by expanding the ribcage and feeling your spine lengthen. Inhaling should make you taller! When you exhale – strive to stay tall. You’ll notice your muscles working to support your improved posture.

Strengthen your Pelvic Floor & Core Muscles (this will help relax the shoulders and provide you with better back and neck support.)

 
Invision lifting the body tall like you’re suspended by a string.

 
Add exercises to your workout program to stretch your chest & shoulders & strengthen your upper & lower back.