How would you like to walk into a room full of confidence? Now is the time to build your best body! Just think how powerful you will look and feel when you walk through your life tall and relaxed. I want what she has, for sure!
So let’s start with the skeleton that lays the framework on which your muscles attach. Pilates body alignment, which is centered around neutral spine alignment, gets you going.
When your spine is supported by the musculature of the front, back and side torso, the neurological impulses that flow thru the spinal cord out to the extremities function at their best.Your organs function better and you glow!
Close your eyes. Imagine your skeleton in three dimensional space, suspended from the crown of your head like a marionette. Set the ribcage and shoulders over your hips. Attach the string of a pink balloon to the sternum, in the middle of your chest at the breast line, and let it gently lift your heart up. Draw your pelvis floor muscles up (Kegels – so good for pelvic health in both women AND men) by tucking your pubic bone up toward your navel. Take advantage of your breath - the inhale that expands the ribcage and the exhalation that narrows the waist
Notice where your center of gravity is located - the tan tian of tai chi in the pelvis. Initiate all movement from this center.
Allow the bones to fall out of the skeleton as they were designed to do:
- thigh bones out of the hip socket
- knees & ankles track directly below
- feet are parallel & face front
- draw the collar bones apart and sink your shoulder blades into opposite
- back pockets on your pants.
- upper arm bones hang gently from the shoulder joint
- forearm and hands fall below, palms face inside of side body
- tailbone anchors down through the inner legs
- spine rises up through each vertebrae
- crown of the head reaches for the ceiling
- chin is level
TA DA ! – Gorgeous ! Good posture is so contagious! Become the puppeteer of your own life! Notice that when you stand tall, others follow your lead. Subtle leadership by example – you’ll feel effective and powerful !
Next month we’ll talk about strengthening the muscles around the core. A strong physical core takes you through your life with style and grace.
