Spring has finally arrived and with it, the green is back on the grass and trees. Hopefully everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. Now we will be out working in the yard and doing those things that we haven't all winter. Time to consider the need for physical conditioning year round and safety in movement and daily activities.
The most common issue people experience is back pain. Much of this is related to a largely sedentary life style in the modern world all week long, coupled with poor postural habits when lifting, and indulging in "weekend warrior" sports activities for which we have not prepared through regular exercise.
Central to Tai Chi is maintaining good posture, flexible hips, and strong legs. Here are some tips for lifting safely.
Keep the head, neck and upper spine erect and well centered over the hips.
Keep the load close to the body by not extending the hands too far.
Keep the lower back erect, lifting with the legs.
Learn to keep the knees aligned with the toes and generally behind the big toe.
We'll examine these ideas going forward and show how these Tai Chi posture principles apply in work and sports (even weightlifters who lift enormous weights follow these principles).
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