ShareConditioning is the adaptation to physical or mental exertion, and practicing it can significantly reduce pain and improve your overall health and wellbeing in a way that is natural and long-lasting.
For this reason, we are bringing you a four week Full-Body Conditioning Series. This program occurs in stages that represent a logical progression and will build upon one another for real results.
Postural Conditioning is addressed first so that body parts are in proper relation to one another other and the other forms of conditioning can move forward smoothly. Aerobic Conditioning comes next, which increases the circulation of blood nutrients to the tissues of the body. Maintaining proper posture maximizes the efficiency of aerobic conditioning and all other forms of conditioning. Flexibility Conditioning follows to promote flexibility and full range of motion. When joints can move through their full range of motion, Strength Conditioning is optimized and you have a great foundation for long-term health.
We will cover all of these types of conditioning in one-week increments. For the best results, practice each for a week and carry them through so that you’re building towards a natural mastery of all four.
Week 1: Improve Postural Conditioning
The Base of the Pyramid
Posture is the relationship of body parts to one another. Postural awareness is the building block upon which safe and efficient aerobic, flexibility, and strength conditioning is built. Proper posture minimizes the stress of maintaining positions or performing activities. Postural deconditioning leads to undue stress upon joint structures.
In modern life, the most common postural stress results from activities that cause the neck or back to be bent forward. Activities that commonly result in a flexed or “bent” spine include sitting, sleeping, reading and bending from the neck or waist.
The view from the side – Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying, a straight line should run from the center of the ear, through the shoulder, and hip. When standing, this line should continue through the ankle.
The view from the front – When standing, the body’s weight is distributed to both legs equally. A straight line should run from the nose through the navel, terminating midway between the ankles.
First and foremost, postural conditioning involves increasing your awareness. In general, the goal is to assume neutral postures that minimize the forward bending of the neck and back when maintaining positions or performing activities.
Focus on your posture this week, and next week we will begin to explore Aerobic conditioning.
