What do I focus on in my Healthy Back Classes?

 Aside from the Hydration, Nutrition and Supplements that I mentioned a week or so ago, I have 4 main principles that I focus on:

Neutral Spine/Pelvis

Its important that you can recognise when your spine/pelvis is in its neutral position, that is with its natural, normal curves. If you cannot recognise this, then a lot of the exercises you do will not be as effective and in some cases may be detrimental.  Its not as easy as it sounds to know whether your spine is in a neutral position, whether your sitting, standing, lying, bending – once learnt you become so much more aware of your posture and how to take the strain off your spine and give it a well deserved break!

Thoracic Mobility

Most of our rotation comes from the thoracic area and if its ‘locked’ and doesn’t move this can lead to all sorts of issues. Our bodies are all connected and if your upper back is locked, then you’ll most likely have issues in your neck and lower back. Getting mobility in your thoracic is crucial.

Hip Mobility

Learning how to move your hips independently from your pelvis, another necessary skill.  Most people really struggle with this one and move the pelvis/hip as one unit. Also, if you don’t move from the hips, you will be repeatedly bending your spine, we need to learn how to move correctly and be kind to our spines.

Core (including glutes)

Strengthening the muscles that help support the spine, help to hold your body in its correct position.  Most clients with back issues have ‘switched off’ glutes, they never use them! These muscles are such large important postural muscles, for optimum back health they need to be working well.

It a simple formula, but one that works really well 🙂