A beneficial approach for conditioning and balancing the muscles of your hip.
At Create Movement we offer classes in Bayside, Langwarrin and Mornington.
I’m always brainstorming ways that I can work to higher standards, improve our client experience and provide new and exciting programs and look forward to many more years of teaching the Pilates method of exercise and Slings Myofascial Training concept. There are many approaches I apply to how I plan and prepare for our Pilates sessions but posture-related work is always one of the main things that I focus on whether it be online classes or in the studio.
My blog post about
A beneficial approach for conditioning and balancing the muscles of your hip.
The intention we put into practice is a good start to increase strength, flexibility, alignment and postural balance while integrating holistic, mindful movement.
The famous gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the human body is
hugely important as it works with the hip flexors and the muscles of the lower back and core, to enable activity, standing and balance. However nowadays, we can be threatened by a sedentary lifestyle, sitting for long periods at the office or in fancy car seats. This may result in lazy butt, tight hip flexors and an out of aligned pelvis. Does this sound painful?
Yes indeed. When your gluteal muscles have forgotten what to do, when they stop firing up, you may have poor posture, knee, hip and lower back pain and your balance may be affected.
So, what should we do if suffering from symptoms of malfunction. The approaches to training the muscles of the pelvis vary according to different outlooks of the Wellness Industry. This topic is widely discussed in the world of workouts and it is agreed, even highly emphasised that there is a need to work on strong butt muscles in order to support the back, the spine and the pelvis.
But can we have too much of gluteal activation? Yes. And too much of under activation. It needs to be just right. Gluteal activation cannot be the only consideration.
The following examples are intended to illustrate importance of the knowledge of the instructor and the balance necessary when assigning tasks to people with individual needs. Our bodily systems are intricate and interdependent, related and interconnected. Care and understanding of anatomy are essential.
Over activation can increase the risk of pain and injury.
Lunges in standing, kneeling, Lunge to Knee Get- up may be a great way to get your bottom into shape, but if you have poor posture or lack the sense that allows us to perceive location or movement, there can be an impact on the muscle groups of the hip joint and back. These spinal muscles need to be counterbalanced for stability.
We have deep unseen muscles in this region, such as the iliopsoas unit, which is a major flexor of the hip joint and effects stability and hip flexion.
The multifidus muscles plays an important role in stabilising the joints within the spine, is also involved in complex movements so it absolutely necessary to take it into account when approaching muscles have the pelvis and hip.
As well as visualising the mechanics of particular muscular actions it is necessary to understand how our bodies respond to other circumstances beyond the mere mechanical. We should work with health professionals to view ourselves in a holistic way to improve self-perception and body awareness.
Hundreds of Russian squads, lunges, pigeon poses and sit-ups are not enough to cure everything. They sound inviting but the bottom line is the need for expert guidance and balance, consideration of all relevant factors. Poor posture can cause spinal disfunction and malalignment of joints, resulting in back and neck pain, discomfort, and can impact your life. Pilates improves flexibility and balance, posture and is great for all over well- being and reduction of stress.
If you would like to take up the opportunity for a body reading, a form of holistic assessment of body and posture, view my timetable and availability for private sessions. There is a range of group classes on offer in Bayside, Langwarrin and Mornington. A one-on-one Pilates class is the most effective way to develop your Pilates practice. These sessions are completely customised to suit your individual needs and goals, providing you with the most in-depth training experience to help you take your Pilates practice to the next level.
Contrary to what many believe, Pilates is not a set of exercises or some pretty looking poses in a flow class. It includes physical exercises for postural balance and breath work, concentration, mindful movement. I include teaching about the myofascial meridians based on The Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridian Concept by Tom W. Myers and I integrate the myofascial core in the most beneficial way.
Hope you enjoyed this blog and I wish to help you on your way to recovery, conditioning and balancing your muscles of the hip.