Annie Appleby of YogaForce in Alignment
Annie Appleby, of YogForce demonstrates Posture. Alignment. And how to get High in Yoga Class
Good posture means:
- Chin parallel to the floor
- Shoulders even (roll your shoulders up, back, and down to help achieve this)
- Neutral spine (no flexing or arching to overemphasize the curve in your lower back)
- Arms at your sides with elbows straight and even
- Abdominal muscles braced and hips even
- Knees even and pointing straight ahead
- Body weight distributed evenly on both feet
(When sitting down, keep your chin parallel to the floor; your shoulders, hips, and knees at even heights; and your knees and feet pointing straight ahead.)
Good posture is important to balance: by standing up straight, you center your weight over your feet. This also helps you maintain correct form while exercising, which results in fewer injuries and greater gains. And working on balance can even strengthen your abilities in tennis, golf, running, dancing, skiing — and just about any other sport or activity.
Not an athlete? It still pays to have good balance. Just walking across the floor or down the block requires good balance. So do rising from a chair, going up and down stairs, toting packages, and even turning to look behind you.
Poor posture isn’t necessarily a bad habit, either. Physical reasons for poor posture include:
Inflexible muscles that decrease range of motion (how far a joint can move in any direction). For example, overly tight, shortened hip muscles tug your upper body forward and disrupt your posture. Overly tight chest muscles can pull your shoulders forward.
Muscle strength affects balance in a number of ways. The “core muscles” of the back, side, pelvis, and buttocks form a sturdy central link between your upper and lower body. Weak core muscles encourage slumping, which tips your body forward and thus off balance. Strong lower leg muscles also help keep you steady when standing.
The good news: You can improve your posture with a few simple exercises. Balance-specific workouts address posture and balance problems with exercises that build strength where it counts and stretches that loosen tight muscles. Quick posture checks in the mirror before and during balance exercises can also help you get the most from your regular workout. And increasing your core strength and flexibility can help you improve your posture noticeably in just a few weeks.
YogaForce did not make this stuff up either, it is direct information from HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. Feel free to watch just a little bit of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtdR2uCSh2Q You really need to breathe to get the benefit as demonstrated. Use your nose and your feet. Also the mat is wonderful to aide in correct body alignment. www.yogaforce.com
Here is the latest Review of the YogaForce A-Line Mat – 5 Stars
5.0 out of 5 stars: Unsurpassed for people with back issues, February 14, 2017
By Customer in California – Verified Purchase
This review is from: YogaForce A-Line Exercise Mat
As someone with a herniated lower back (L4/L5), this mat helps me do safe stretches on a comfortably supportive surface. If I try doing stretches with poor alignment, I run the risk of worsening my back issues – so this mat is critical for guiding perfectly aligned placement during stretches. The mat arrived promptly and well sealed. I have not seen any other mat that comes close to the quality or ingenuity of design.
