More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine. A lifestyle that emphasizes rounding our backs and tipping our heads forward only creates more problems for the average person, building a posture that has weak abdominal muscles and tight back and neck muscles.
While some see the solution to be working out the core, if done incorrectly, this can exacerbate the problem. If core strengthening is done in such a way that the abdominals are shortened, as in the typical stomach crunches, the body can continue to be pulled forward and cause pain in the lower back. It is important to work the muscles in a lengthened position to help maintain a long and tall posture and freer movement in the spine. In addition, there is more to the core than just the rectus abdominus muscle (think six-pack abs)! Building our muscles on all sides of the spine helps enhance breathing. By strengthening the muscles of the rib cage, for instance, you might experience more expansion on each inhale and greater oxygen intake. Sometimes this is called the “mid core” and control of this area is helpful for protecting the spine in back bends.
Yamuna Body Rolling helps to lengthen the spine on all sides and leave you feeling taller and standing more easily. I am looking forward to helping you build long and strong muscles at my next workshop on April 2.