7 minute read
Improve Your Posture
IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE
BY CARRIE HIRSCH
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DON’T SLOUCH Don’t be a slouch. Sit up straight. Stand up straight and tall. Keep your head above your shoulders and your shoulders over your hips. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
It seems like there are many steps to take to achieve good posture. But experts say if you tweak your habits and explore some exercise routines that are designed to specifically improve posture, it can become an achievable goal.
You should be aware of your body movements while doing everyday activities like watching television and walking the dog.
“Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control,” said Joseph Pilates, German physical trainer and founder of the Pilates method of physical fitness.
There are two kinds of posture: Dynamic posture is the way you hold yourself while in motion. Static posture is the way you hold yourself while sitting, standing up, or sleeping.
The key to maintaining good posture is the position of your spine. Slumping and slouching on a regular basis may take a toll on your spine, rendering it more susceptible by misaligning your musculoskeletal system, and may decrease flexibility and invite back, neck, and shoulder pain.
‘Tech neck’ has become a common way to refer to pain due to constant use of devices which requires the user to look down for long periods of time to check emails.
Strengthening muscles around the back, abdomen and pelvis through yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and other types of exercise classes can make the road to improved posture attainable.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight. A little extra weight can weaken abdominal muscles, which can affect your pelvis and spine and lead to lower back pain, according to medlineplus.gov.
“You can never make a first impression twice — that’s why good posture is key,” says Judith Jones, a Broadway and ballet dancer and choreographer at Youth Opera International.
JONES OFFERS A FEW TIPS:
• Avoid crossing your legs when sitting and make sure you have back support in the form of a pillow or backrest that can support the lower curve of your back. • Hard chairs are the worst for your posture and your body in general. A well-padded seat gives essential support to your hips and thighs. • Get in the habit of keeping both soles of your feet on the ground — don’t cross your ankles or tuck your feet under you. • Keeping your computer at eye level is one of the best ways to help maintain good posture while working.
For women, experts say that wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes will contribute to better posture; high heels can throw your balance off by over-arching your back.
High heels also put more weight on the knees.
“When someone tells me that I look great, I say thanks, then share a secret: It’s not the clothes or the makeup; it’s my posture,” says Denise Austin, fitness instructor and former member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS
OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
BY NICOLE CRAM | PHOTOS BY RUTHE RITTERBECK Taking fitness to the next level can be a grind, but the Lowcountry has some of the top professional trainers who are motivating and help us reach our goals. These experts teach us how to work out safely, hold us accountable and understand that optimal wellness is a lifestyle. Inspirational and supportive, these trainers guide us on our journey to stay fit for life.
KATIE GIRARDI
CORE PILATES
At the core of Katie Girardi’s business is an atmosphere of acceptance backed by a team of confidence-building trainers.
She started Core Pilates to embrace everyone and everybody, no matter your experience level.
“This is a positive place to move your body and we want you to feel successful,” she said.
Every instructor at the studio will tell you that pilates is more than just a workout; it’s a system and a lifestyle.
While the studio does incorporate some aspects of yoga and personal training into their classes, the choreography and equipment is deeply rooted in foundational Pilates.
Core Pilates proudly opened their new studio on New Orleans Road one year ago.
31 NEW ORLEANS RD. STE A, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 843.681.4267 // WORKTHATCORE.COM
JAMAL EDWARDS
HILTON HEAD DANCE THEATRE
From a young dancer to Ballet Master, Jamal Edwards has spent most of his life at the Hilton Head Dance Theatre.
“Classical ballet is our core. We believe the training gives students a strong foundation for any style of dance,” he said.
As a native of Hilton Head Island, Jamal has experienced Hilton Head Dance Theatre as a student and an instructor.
In addition to Ballet Master, he is responsible for assisting with all performances as Resident Choreographer.
Jamal encourages dance at any age, which is why he offers an adult class for those interested in learning ballet and jazz.
“Dance is such an essential skill. It teaches you the strength and discipline to stay focused in all areas of life,” he said.
24 PALMETTO BUSINESS PARK RD. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 843.785.5477 // HILTONHEADDANCE.COM
JAKE WITTMER
LAVA FITNESS
Jake Wittmer went to school for business management before realizing that fitness is his real passion.
He’s spent the past dozen years training, four of which as LAVA’s Assistant Manager.
Jake believes training clients has to begin with both a purpose and a goal.
When it comes to his personal training journey, his goals have ranged from competing in a marathon to body building. Jake specializes in one-on-one training with occasional small group training.
LLUVIA ARCOS
LAVA FITNESS
For Lluvia Arcos, true wellness is not just a fitness routine, but a lifestyle. She strives to make her circuit-style HIIT classes just one aspect of healthy living.
Lluvia lives a plant-based lifestyle and encourages her clients to do the same, so they can nourish their bodies not just through exercise. She’s trained with LAVA since she was 18 years old; the clients and coworkers she’s met along the way feel like family.
ARLEIGH THORP
LAVA FITNESS
As a California-native, Arleigh Thorp has found a new home in LAVA Fitness. She spends most of her time in group training, connecting with clients and trainers who now feel like family.
Her personal fitness philosophy is one that most people can relate to.
SAMMI BURNS
LAVA FITNESS
Hilton Head Island is a close community and for trainer Sammi Burns, the gym at LAVA is an extension of that.
“Coming into the gym and seeing the same people every day is what I look forward to most. Everyone is very close, from the clients to the staff,” she said.
Sammi’s fitness philosophy is to train her clients for the every day, so they can stay fit for life.
She’s driven by high-energy classes with upbeat music.
