What is “good” posture? “Hold your shoulders back!” “Stand up straight!” and “Keep your core tight!” are some common phrases that are associated with “good” posture.
But the body is three dimensional. Holding the shoulders back usually means pinching the upper back tight which is not really effective or functional. Trying to stand up straight with willpower won’t go far if your body doesn’t have the deep intrinsic strength to allow your spine to be aligned and supported. And walking around with a tightly held core just makes you look and feel constipated!
What our body really needs is more complicated than some words to make us “fix” bad posture. Pilates was literally designed to achieve muscular balance and give strength to all of those deep postural muscles that let us stand up straight. And it’s not enough to just have “good” posture in standing, our bodies are always moving and the mechanics of our movement are crucial to having a functional and pain free body that can carry us through life and handle the physical challenges we face.
By practicing Pilates you will move your body through all kinds of movements and develop your awareness about how to move efficiently. You’ll connect the deep muscles and find yourself standing up without having to try hard. Your spine will become both stronger and more flexible. Things like bending and lifting will come easier. And maybe you’ll get a “6 pack” but even if you don’t you’ll discover that you’re capable of doing things with your body that you have not done in years, or maybe ever. With practice you will get better at Pilates but also better at anything you do with your body. And since it’s the only home and vehicle that you truly own it’s wise to take good care of it. You can’t buy another!
Pilates does improve posture but it does so much more. It improves movement, balance, breathing and coordination. And it can really improve life in general, the best results of all!
Solara Pilates 