I overheard some instructor training the other week whilst out and about with the boy.
I was a little concerned to hear the cues ‘lift your pubic bone’ or ‘tuck your tailbone’ still being used. I thought these cues died along with ‘flatten your spine into the mat’ 😱
I’m a big fan of a neutral spine. As babies and toddlers we spend a great deal of time earning, developing and strengthening the curves in our spine. They allow us to load safely and effectively, keep the intervertebral discs healthy and ensure we can develop and maintain intra abdominal pressure – crucial in protecting our lower back, particularly on its anterior surface!
So whilst these cues aren’t “wrong”, in the vast majority of cases they aren’t necessary.
Add to this the average person is so body unaware (unfortunately) they don’t realise when pelvic tilt stops and lumbar flattening is occurring instead. The maxim ‘less is more’ definitely applies here when performing these movements to ensure clients remain safe, and exercise effective.
In one to one sessions a wooden broom handle can be used to ensure a neutral spine is maintained, whilst pelvic movement is achieved. Once this is done, and an awareness brought to the range of movement which can be used, movement in class is much more effective, efficient and safe.
If you’re unsure about how much pelvic tilt you can safely use in certain poses, positions, or movements to ensure your spine remains protected, drop me or your local instructor a line and ask for a one to one session 😊👍🏻
If you’d like to learn more ask me about courses that might be suitable 😉
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