Harmony Studios. . .

As I promised!

2012-02-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

ERGONOMICS. Means the science of work and a person's relationship to that work.

THIS MEANS: the external things that affect your person.

I'm going to go through a few thing in our daily life and pick them apart to explain to you how we do those things...ahem...wrong.

Driving: on both cheeks, both hands on the wheel, shoulders and head against the back of the seat (including your headrest...get it: head rest...rest your head!).

Sitting at your computer: both cheeks and feel those sits bones, legs uncrossed or crossed at the ankles, shoulders down and back, chin in the same plane as your chest. Computer screen in front of your nose, keyboard level with your chest (laptops: get an external keyboard). Switch the mouse from side to side everyday.

Texting: eegads...NO MORE LOOKING DOWN! Put that crackberry/iBrain in front of your face. Yep, it looks funny but it sure beats the pending disc and/or vertebrae issue in the future.

Basic sitting and standing with great posture (chin & chest up, shoulders down and back, belly in, pelvis in neutral, feet underneath your hips, will definitely help the above ergonomic issues that modern day imposes upon us.

Please do take the time to consider the things that you do now.

We spend so much of our lives taking for granted that our bodies will just be ok. I'm here to tell you they won't be without taking care of them.

We spend SO much time learning about computers, cars etc yet, we get to trade those in for new versions. We only get one chance at this body. There isn't an excuse in the world that can trump becoming more mindful and in better control of making yourself healthy...you can try one on me tho!

Wishing you a mindful day!

Kinesiology & Posture

2012-01-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

Wtheck is that title? I'll not make it boring! Swear!

I actually don't even know where to start? I leave for a few months and now I have all this stuff to say...

I've been nursing this "hamstring" issue that has ZERO to do with my hamstrings being injured...yep, that's right. NADA!

So, I went to this super cool chiropractor (Dr Rob. If you want his info, let me know), who told me how it is. He and his staff, while super cool, have informed me that most of what's wrong with my body is mostly my fault. Always pleasant to hear.

"But, I'm a Pilates teacher! I know what I'm doing wrong!" Clearly, I had to drop my ego and listen.

I saw my posture, xrays, pictures and they don't lie (just like that fine staff!).

So, at my expense, I will explain to you what I'm re-learning. I'm here to tell you that if you don't get proactive, your aging body will rebel/kickback in the most unpleasant ways.

I'm going to pass along what I've been researching about Kinesiology & Posture first. We'll leave Ergonomics for the next (so your heads don't spin).

What is Kinesiology? It's the physiological, mechanical, and psychological mechanisms. Applications of kinesiology to human health include: biomechanics and orthopedics, rehabilitation, such as physical and occupational therapy, as well as sport and exercise.

What is posture: the posture or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose.

WTheck do those mean??! How you make your body sit & stand (= posture), and your movement (kinesiology) makes a massive difference to our quality of life. Maybe not when we're young and studly. As we age however, all of those bad postural and poor movement habits create some chaos (I'm proof!).

Let's begin with your simple (er...not so simple) standing posture:

Chin: forward and in the same forward position as your sternum. {This is the area between your (man or girl) boobs. ;)}

Shoulders: put your arms at your side; the seam of your pants...how do your shoulders feel? keep them there wherever your arms go.

Feet: underneath your hips. No! that is not the width of your behind. Feel for those knobby things just inwards from the width of your tush? Those are your hips. If you can't find them, we need to talk about nutrition (another blog...or call me!)

Standing on your feet: Heels AND pads AND lightly on the toes.

Moving along...to walking:

chin and chest still forward.

Use your abs to move your elbows

Walk with your hips NOT your waist...STOP THAT WADDLE!

Feet: heel to toe...whether on flat ground or walking up & down hills. Especially walking down hills!

Sitting...one of the WORST things you can do to your body (a whole different blog)

chin & sternum: check!

shoulders: check!

behind (butt, derriere, tushie etc) sit on those bones called your sits bones.

NOW! what does this mean? do your very bestest to be aware of how you stand, sit, walk, present yourself to the world and yourself. It means...everything. Literally.

Diabetic Diet anyone?

2011-09-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not suggesting we're going to be diabetic or anything of the sort! I'm suggesting there may be something to that kind of eating regime.
Six (or so) small meals a day, lots of water, low sugar and carbohydrates, minimal alcohol and regular exercise...am I missing something here or does this make sense for everyone!?
A "small meal" means: protein, carbs and fat in a small portion...one that doesn't make you full. Big portions will force your body to slow down to digest it thus, make you sleepy/lethargic.
My momma always said: Eat to live. Not live to eat. Not an exciting for the people who lovvvve food but, it kind of makes sense.

posture

2011-09-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

What does it mean when someone says: "stand up straight!" or "hold your belly in!"?

It means that you are expected to properly engage and organize all of those muscles in your body to support you while you are awake (standing, sitting, reclining - everything!).

Yes, it is a massive job of endurance. And yes, it is really tough to do well.

So, please! please! please! Learn how to do this properly and practice it as much as you would driving your car, doing your occupation and your hobbies!

It way more important than any of those simply because you have one chance at this body in this lifetime so we must make it count.

If you have any questions: email me please!

Fillerup!

2011-09-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Water:
100 oz a day! Yep, that's what I said!
Yes, you will need to go to the bathroom every hour. But, the benefits of water WAY supersedes your annoyance with making the hourly trip!
And, while we're on the subject, your urine should be pretty clear most of your daily trips to the bathroom. Am I getting too personal? Wait till we talk about Kegels in the future?

Back to water. This plain liquid (no tea, coffee, or anything added) feeds all the good things in your body. Muscles, bones, tissue (including skin) all get more healthy and stay healthier by simply feeding it water! Your metabolism increases when your muscles do. This also means that water will in turn, help your metabolism too!
Fat has no water! Essentially, and in very simple terms, when you drink water, you push out fat. Clearly, there's a more in depth process that happens but, for the most part, that's the deal. Ladies, what do you think about having less cellulite!? I thought that might catch your attention!

Not only the aforementioned things occur, but you will be forced to stop drinking all of those other juices, teas etc simply because you need to fulfill the water quota. This alone could help you get healthier and if you need to, lose weight.

Have I made my point clear?
100 ounces of water a day. Start now!
Have a great day!