UPDATE 1/18/08 - After putting up this blog, I finally found some more information. Time restraints were the main cause for the delay. Updates to this blog will be put in a link format so that you can go directly to the site for the reference.
In previous posts, I would talk about my shoulder and the various pains I would have. When my shoulder acts up while I'm at work, I do a spinal twist on both sides for about 5 breaths, double check my posture and I'm good to go. My shoulder rarely acts up at home since I am always in a comfortable position - "comfortable" in that I am always keeping my posture in mind.
Keeping your posture in mind is the first and most important step in achieving and maintaining posture health. The fact that you're reading this post puts you on the good foot (so to speak ;) LOL) towards having good posture.
Although there are many ways to get "good" posture, the first and free lesson is to listen to what you mom or your 2nd grade teacher used to say and apply that to everything you do that involves proper posture (which includes walking, standing, bending/lifting, sitting and even sleeping):
stand straight, shoulders back, chest slightly out, head upright
Another free lesson in posture can also come from your HS gym teacher or your personal trainer:
keep knees slightly bent, tuck your tailbone under (or pull in your abs to get the tailbone in proper alignment)
Sounds easy doesn't it? Sure it does! But if it were as easy as it seems, everyone would probably have great posture and I wouldn't have to do all this typing in my blog about it. :P Since that is not that case, I will happily show you the many options to help you achieve proper alignment so that you can maintain health. I cannot make the choice for you, in regards to what method you use, but my goal is to guide you in understanding these methods so YOU can make the best choice (do right for yourself!)
Before I begin, I also want to let you know that this is a lot of information to take in. Some methods you maybe very familiar with and other methods you probably never heard of until today. I have not personally partaken in all of these methods. That's ok. I guarantee that the methods I have not done before are especially created and proven in attaining proper posture. The methods that I am familiar with will be noted within and spoken about in great detail. Basically, it may take more than one post to get all of this information to you.
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
The Alexander Technique has always seemed shrouded in mystery to me. There are rarely any group classes when dealing with this method. Since it's mostly private instruction, it was hard for me to find someone who has done this already (I still haven't found them as yet, but I guarantee you that as soon as this is posted, I'll find a whole lot of people who have benefited from this technique. :P)
In doing research, I have found out a number of things about the Alexander Technique:
- This method has been around for over 100 years.
- Using this method enables its students to put ergonomic principles into practice, and thus helps them reduce their risk of developing a repetitive strain injury.
- Teachers of the Alexander Technique avoid the word 'posture.' 'Use' is something different; it implies movement over time, a pattern of coordination, whereas posture connotes a static, fixed position. (F.M. Alexander 1932).
- Alexander emphasized learning how to change one's thinking in order to re-direct posture and movement patterns.
If you would like more information, please go to www.alexandertechnique.com or click on any of the links so you will be redirected to the corresponding page. www.acatnyc.org is also a great site for information on the Alexander Technique. The American Center for the Alexander Technique is on 39 W 14th St., Suite 507 in NYC. They have free hands-on demonstrations. I'm going to do my level best to make it to one of them this year. It's usually the first Monday of the Month, from 7pm - 8:30pm. Click here for the free hands on demonstrations for this year. Next blog post will talk about the Feldenkrais Method and Pilates. Don't worry...I got a good amount of information on these two so you don't have to wait as long. ;)
You remember my beautiful mantra right? Well, just in case you forgot here it is again:
stay strong, stay healthy, and fight dis-ease!
