You may have heard the term “neutral spine” during your Pilates sessions. Or perhaps you haven’t tried Pilates yet and you have no idea what I mean. Either way this is something that is extremely important in your everyday life as it will help you to improve your posture and strengthen your core in a subtle yet effective way.
What is a neutral spine/good posture?
A neutral spine or good posture is being able to maintain the three “natural curves” in your spine with as little tension as possible.
Our curves were built with purpose (how clever is the human body)! Our spine is our support structure, the building blocks from which we move. Our curves are there so that we can sit, stand, walk or lie down with the least amount of strain on the ligaments and muscles as possible. Correct posture means that we use less energy and decrease stress on the joints which decreases and injury and pain.
In a Pilates workout we often move in and out of a “neutral spine” allowing us to experience all the lovely ways in which our spine and body can move. This creates more freedom, flexibility, and increases strength within all planes of movement so we are “fit for life” so to speak. Lets face it, we move through life in different ways each day and life will often move us. Best be fit for all the twists and turns that life throws at us!
This video was shot for Bright Body. See their youtube channel for more fantastic videos!
