Spinal Mobility

Today during symposium we discussed spinal mobility.  We focused on keeping the head on the neck.  Envision if you were wearing a pair of long dangling earrings, you would want them to touch the area right by your collar bone.  Many of us go thru the day looking down which in the long run will give you that "hump" on the back of your neck, like you see with the older ladies.  Anyways, if you really think about where your head is- is it in alignment with your spine??? you will understand how easy it is to keep your chin down instead of flat.  This is something to think about throughout your day.  And I promise that you will feel more connected to your body rather then your head bobbling.  One thought is to watch where your gaze is, if you look down a lot then your head follows your gaze.  We went through a few different exercises that will help strengthen these muscles in your neck.

We then discussed flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral movement and how each one of your vertebrae must work together to keep from stress being created in many different spots.  We did a couple of roll downs by articulating each vertebra onto the mat, each is important in supporting the one above it.  Many of us find this difficult and it takes tons of concentration, for me at least it does.  It is good to see progress though and I know that I have made some during my practice, although still have lots more to learn and master!  One of the things that Joseph Pilates really puts at high priority is to do nothing half-hazardly.  Do it with precision.  This really makes it important to focus on your body the whole time, keeping it all collected in one space.  

I then did 2 observations after this, both of the clients did tower.  I took tons of notes, of course, we all know how I am at taking notes!  I reviewed over them and have a few questions to ask the instructor.  Then, I did chair class and while my shoulder is feeling somewhat better there were a few exercises that I just knew that I shouldn't do.  I hate that, I like to do it all the way, but I know that it doesn't need added stress.  The plank didn't feel good, but I did it!

Anyways, that is the summary for today!