Habitual movement patterns can greatly attribute to how our muscular system supports, or doesn’t support our health and wellbeing.
The habits we create in every-day life can create pain and dis-ease. Sitting in the same position for hours on end, standing with one hand on the hip, even having the same, repetitive exercise routine can be detrimental to our health. Think of hours following the same pattern doing a golf swing, hitting a tennis ball, cycling or running – whichever sport you enjoy… Do only that, and imbalance is sure to follow.
The reality is if you don’t use it, you loose it. The neurological connections to the muscles we habitually don’t access, atrophy, and we end up with dis-ease (pain).
I have not only once, but 100’s of times rehabbed joint pain not only in myself, but in many clients in my Pilates studio. Simply by looking at habits and retraining those muscles that we don't use, bringing balance back into the system. There is something magical about Pilates mat and equipment work, a way to access movement in a new context. Stimulating the smallest stability muscle groups with a mindful approach and sometimes a helpful hand from kinesiology to jump start those muscles that are fast asleep and just not pulling their weight (couldn’t resist the pun).
When it comes to movement we really need to include a wide variety in relation to range of motion from hanging, upright, supine and 4 point base. We also want to stimulate the joints, especially painful joints with gentle, but effective movement patterns moving from no resistance to light resistance and weigh bearing and then eventually working to build strength.
I remember when I was a little girl how I used to dance the mornings away to the Strauss waltz Mexican beats, to then jump onto my bicycle, ride to a friend, have a quick swim and leg it back home to be on time for supper, climbing a few trees on the way.
I know life does not always allow us this freedom of time to do all of this, but finding a discipline that crosses all these barriers and that can simulate as many of these natural movements as possible is the key to wellbeing and joint health. Even finding just 10 or 15 minutes a day to stimulate the muscular system in a supportive habit, strengthening core and joint stability can have incredible results for your present and future wellbeing, so you can do the things you love for many years to come.
Finding the joy, freedom and ease movement brings.
Magic happens when we move out of the ordinary. We become extra-ordinary.
Love yourself enough to commit to your future health and wellbeing.
Book a 20 minute coaching call to see what would work best for you and your situation – maybe it’s Pilates 1:1, online recorded program, group or yoga session – or maybe a kinesiology or massage will be the right way forward for you. Whatever it may be – may it be nurturing and investing in your future wellbeing.
HERE'S A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS - self massage is so important for lymph drainage. Toxins stuck in the body can create inflammation and dis-ease. I love using these self massage and acupressure stimulation tools.
The Shika Accupressure mat is a fab addition to your 'de-stress' and relax repertoire. Lying on this mat for only a few minutes will wash your stress away and stimulate acupressure points throughout the body.
I love a good foam roller. This one is particularly handy as it is travel size. Pop it in your backpack and whip it out when you need it.
The acupressure wooden ball is always a firm favourite. I like that this is not made of plastic and it is easy to use to massage tight muscles.
Happy Massaging for happier muscles and joints.
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