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The Posture Essentials

Posture is important for so many reasons. Not only does good posture help you look your best, it also helps your body function properly so you can feel your best. Having good posture means your body is aligned the way it should be so your joints can move, your muscles aren’t being overworked, you can breathe properly, and your organs can function the way they should.  Unfortunately, we live in a world that encourages poor posture and lacks opportunities for movement that improves posture, at least at the frequency we really need. In order to improve posture you should consider spending less time in chairs and less time on computers and mobile devices. You can also incorporate more standing and walking into your day and try to increase how often you bring your arms up over your head. You’ll be amazed at how beneficial simply reaching up and touching the tops of door frames throughout your day can be!

At L + L Pilates, a properly aligned body, with good posture, is always our number one goal. The following exercises are our absolute favorite, go-to exercises to help you achieve a properly aligned body and better upright posture. These are the Posture Essentials. Even on days you don’t have time to take a walk or do a full workout, find 3 minutes to do the following exercises and you’ll immediately feel your energy increase and your posture improve. These are all exercises you can do at home or in the office so they can be done throughout your day!

Calf Stretch

Calf Stretch

Forward Head Corrector

Forward Head Corrector Essential Exercise

Spread Your Wings

 

Spread Your Wings Chest Opening Exercise

 

Have any questions or comments!? Let us know below.

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100+ PILATES CLASS SUPERSTAR: Lauren

Congratulations Lauren!  This Pilates queen fills our studio with her bright, positive energy each and every session.

Here’s what she had to say about her accomplishment:

1. What do you love about Pilates?

I like that I am 56 but am stronger than ever before (everything is relative though- haha).

2. What motivates you to workout?

It makes me feel better and I think it keeps me healthy.

3. What changes have you noticed since starting Pilates?

I come to Pilates because it has cured my sciatica pain.  It also reduces stress.  AND, when I had my bone density tested they said that Pilates is why it improved.  Yay!

4. Other than Pilates, how do you like to stay active?

I like to jog, but it’s hard to find time for both these days.  Working on that.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or any feedback for us?

Long and Lean Pilates is very affordable.  The atmosphere is very relaxed and the teachers are excellent.  No matter what level of experience you have, the teachers accommodate you and make you feel welcome.
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L + L at Home: Calf Stretch

If you can only do one exercise, make it the Calf Stretch! Stretching your calves is where you should start to improve your alignment, posture, and the health of your joints. We do a calf stretch in every class and session at Long + Lean and encourage you to do it at least once a day at home as well.

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L + L at Home: Spread Your Wings

Have you ever noticed how rarely you take your arms up over your head, or even out to the side? The lack of varied movement we do does a huge disservice to our joints and posture. Spread Your Wings, one of our Posture Essentials, gives you the opportunity to move through a large range of motion at the shoulder joint to improve the mobility and alignment of the joint. If you want to have nice, open, beautifully aligned shoulders, do this exercise all the time.

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L + L at Home: Forward Head Corrector

This exercise is THE  exercise to do if you sit at a computer or look down at your phone a lot. Just about everyone needs this exercise to stretch the back of the neck and strengthen the front of the neck for better alignment of the head and neck and a pain free upper body. Do this as a movement break during your work day, sitting at a stop light, when you get home from a long day….do it all the time!

 

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