I was on a trip to Pittsburgh recently to see family and friends. Luckily for me, there were hot yoga studios every place I traveled. After being on airplanes for almost 12 hours and sitting in airports, my back and ribs were achy. I welcomed the yoga and my favorite poses were the back bending poses. We are so connected to our computers and cell phones that most of our day is spent rounding forward with our spines and head. In order to combat the shrinking of our spine and height as we get older, we need to counter balance that.
The best way is to bend over backwards! So, the first step in prevention of backaches from forward bending is just to look up. Yes, look up and roll your head backwards. It won't fall off, I promise. We are sometimes nervous to do this because it is not regularly practiced. Then after a few days of looking up and back, begin to focus on the wall behind you or the floor. After a couple of weeks lift your arms up and reach back with the fists clenched and pointed, like you are holding a pistol. I started out timidly, but after a few months, my back bends grew stronger and I was less afraid. Remember to breathe slowly during the back bends, through the nose.
As you become stronger and more familiar with back bends, you can put your palms on the wall behind you and walk your way down the wall, inch by inch. Believe it or not, back bends are the most effective in preventing back pain as we age. It took me three years to be able to touch the wall behind me, so do not give up! Back bends also work the abdominal wall. I know I won't become the hunch backed woman of Regent Street because I practice my back bends. Back bends are your birth right. Don't deny your back its best self!
I want to hear from you!
Please sign the contact form below and comment.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
The best way is to bend over backwards! So, the first step in prevention of backaches from forward bending is just to look up. Yes, look up and roll your head backwards. It won't fall off, I promise. We are sometimes nervous to do this because it is not regularly practiced. Then after a few days of looking up and back, begin to focus on the wall behind you or the floor. After a couple of weeks lift your arms up and reach back with the fists clenched and pointed, like you are holding a pistol. I started out timidly, but after a few months, my back bends grew stronger and I was less afraid. Remember to breathe slowly during the back bends, through the nose.
As you become stronger and more familiar with back bends, you can put your palms on the wall behind you and walk your way down the wall, inch by inch. Believe it or not, back bends are the most effective in preventing back pain as we age. It took me three years to be able to touch the wall behind me, so do not give up! Back bends also work the abdominal wall. I know I won't become the hunch backed woman of Regent Street because I practice my back bends. Back bends are your birth right. Don't deny your back its best self!
I want to hear from you!
Please sign the contact form below and comment.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
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