What is Good Posture?
By Patricia Staszak, PT
We’ve all been told to stand up straight, throw back our shoulders, hold our head up high. My mother was always on my case about using good posture. But the suggestions we hear often don’t help us improve our posture, and are sometimes even the opposite of a healthy sitting or standing position. What does “good posture” really mean? Most people don’t know. In our clinic, we see a lot of people who think they are standing up straight but who are actually not in a good position; instead, they are putting excessive stress on certain joints.
Exercise of the Month: Abdominal Prep
February 2010
This exercise works the trunk flexors, first using the deep stabilizing pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and then the obliques to pull the rib cage up off the mat. It is the nuts-and-bolts of any sit-up or abdominal exercise in which we are flexing the trunk. If we want to strengthen the muscles correctly, we must make sure we engage those deep abdominals first.
Start Position: Lie on your back with knees flexed and your feet in line with your hips. Keep your arms down at your sides.
April 2010 Healthy Back Pilates Class
This winter we hosted our second Healthy Back Pilates Class and we got rave reviews from the participants. In this course we study the five basic principles of STOTT PILATES, the essential level exercises, and modifications for different body types. Participants will learn perfect form and how these exercises relate to everyday movements. So they will be able to integrate this knowledge and their newfound strength to improve function in their day-to-day life.
The focus of the class is education. Our goal for this class is provide the foundation for the continuing improvement of body awareness and strength. This is the first step for participants to ultimately learn to independently manage their musculoskeletal system by giving them the resources to do so.
Volume 4, Issue 1
Winter 2010
As we start a new decade it may seem hard to gain momentum or to accomplish your goals for the year, but as we have all heard many times, the key is balance. Yes, that means eating healthy foods, getting adequate rest, and of course doing Pilates! But it also means being comfortable getting back into your regular (or slightly healthier) routine and enjoying the moment.
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