DO YOU WALK UP AND DOWN THE STAIRS?
HAVE YOU EVER STEPPED UP ONTO A CITY BUS?
DO YOU REACH TO PUT DISHES AWAY FROM YOUR DISHWASHER OR SQUATTED TO LIFT SOMETHING HEAVY?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you have experienced the need for functional movement in your daily life.
When you do step onto that high reaching step on the bus, it takes more than moving your legs to do so. In fact, the “functional movement” pattern of the aforementioned relies on a balanced pelvis, good leg and core strength and proper gait function.
To take a proper step in gait, the leg that propels you forward must have full hip extension, which in turn helps the glute muscles to activate. Think also of how you may reach upward to put something away in your kitchen cabinet. It requires length in your spine, a stable core, and perhaps some rotation as well. If the spine doesn’t have maximum length, it won’t have the freedom of motion needed to rotate or bend; something further down the chain may suffer.
Does the phrase, “I did something to my back” sound familiar?
Striking the right balance of muscles and keeping bones aligned, are key to functional movement patterns which when done properly, can carry you into the later years of life feeling good, injury free.
Pilates helps with training the postural muscles of the back, hips and core to work efficiently and in concert with each other, using the assistance and resistance of spring load on the Pilates equipment.
So, the next time you reach for that jar on the top shelf at the supermarket, or reach to put a suitcase overhead on the plane, think about your posture, your alignment, and how Pilates may help keep your back happy and healthy, and your hips balanced and strong!