I used to LOVE preaching, “Use Good Posture!” I also touted that “Sitting was the new smoking”. And how about all my videos (since deleted) on how “corrective exercise” (whatever that means) will cure all that ails us. 😉 Well, that was then.
Check this out: Stand up straight or NOT!? (https://youtu.be/tY2xIbyeAP0)
Fast forward to today...
Here’s the REAL problem we all deal with regarding movement restrictions and limitation...aka PAIN. It all comes down to our unique body structure…how we’re “built” that really creates particular movement biases within all of us… Independent of whether we sit or stand all day. Now, can we make our situation worst by our activities of choice or lack there of? Of course we can! And we all do. 🤔
But here’s the BIG question folks… Can we manage our body structure against the imparted demands that we contend with everyday? Can we deal with the real world?
So just because we can manage our structure in one scenario…aka…”How much can you lift bro?”, DOESN’T mean it translates outside the gym! Because it’s NOT about how strong you are in the gym…sorry. It’s all about developing “REAL WORLD” strength that you CAN USE. And I’m NOT talking about “functional training” either. That’s a whole other conversation.
It comes down to this…how capable are you? Can you do what you want to do and love…and FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT?
See it’s a battle against gravity that we fight all day and every day. We’re either getting pushed forward or backward all the time, based on how we’re built.
And our strength training should enable us to manage gravity under all circumstances…sitting, standing, walking, running, you name it. It has to be so MUCH MORE than just a workout.
So, instead of talking POSTURE how about addressing how we can manage GRAVITY as easily as possible?
When I'm coaching my clients now… GOOD POSTURE means standing with minimal effort. Standing and doing what we want to and love, with ease and feeling comfortable doing it. As far as I’m concerned, there’s really no “posture exercises” or exercises that “correct posture”. Here’s the bottom line…your strength training should be your posture training.
So, what I have for you today is a SMART POSITION that not only will strengthen your body, but also help you do “your thing” with ease.
Here’s what you’re gonna need:
- Comfortable/Clear space
- Wall. That’s it!
Here’s my recommendation: ALWAYS START HERE because being able to breathe correctly and according to your body is the FOUNDATION to better health, getting stronger, and feeling good again. What’s your body like? Then EXHALE/REACH like this: 🤸♂️Loosey-Goosey: LONG Sighing exhale (fogging a glass)/Reach arms straight up 🏋️ Super-Tight: Pursed Lip exhale (blowing out birthday candles)/Reach arms overhead Daily Practice for YOU ➡️ https://youtu.be/QD8ZwYjfCI4
Here’s what you’re gonna do:
🤸♂️Loosey-Goosey SMART MOVE:
- Step 2 foot lengths away from the wall.
- FULL MOUTH EXHALE/REACH (LONG sighing breath/Straight ahead)
- FULL NASAL INHALE: PRESS hand against the wall INTO THE WALL!
- FULL MOUTH EXHALE: REACH LONG. Let same side chest/shoulder follow arm. NO NECK!
- Hold this position and breath there.
Practice: 1-2rds/side x 5-7 breaths.
OR…
🏋️ Super-Tight SMART MOVE:
- Step 2 foot lengths away from the wall.
- FULL MOUTH EXHALE/REACH (PURSED LIP breath/Straight fwd/downward)
- FULL NASAL INHALE: PRESS hand against the wall INTO THE WALL!
- FULL MOUTH EXHALE: REACH LONG. Let same side chest/shoulder follow arm. NO NECK!
- Hold this position and breath there.
Practice: 1-2rds/side x 5-7 breaths.
Here’s my suggestion. Practice either as part of your current exercise routine warm-up or cool-down or just simply make it part of your daily restoration routine. Let me know how it goes. I’d love to know. Dedicated to your health and longevity, Mike
P.S. Curious and want to see if my training style is a good fit for you? Email me for a Complimentary Assessment & 1 Free Orientation Session. No gimmicks, no pressure, just a discussion about you! I want to help you move better and feel stronger. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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