It’s behind you!

How easy do you find it to turn and look behind you?

Maybe it’s easy enough standing up, but how about, for example, when reversing the car into that tricky parking space or coming out of a driveway on a sharp bend ? That’s when we find out how ‘good’ our spinal rotation is ( when our hips are fixed), and it’s one of the reasons that’s prompted people to join me for private pilates sessions.

Thoracic rotation ( and extension) is one of the spinal movements which we tend to lose first as part of the ageing process. It often contributes to low back pain , as the lumbar spine tries to make up for the lack of movement further up. So if you struggle with low back pain ,which a number of my clients do, it’s important to assess how the rest of the spine is operating before prescribing corrective exercises because where the pain is may not be (and often isn’t in my experience,) where ‘the problem’ lies.

There are plenty of exercises which help to maintain and improve thoracic rotation, whether you need it for reversing, improving a golf swing or gardening. I’ve shared one of my favourites below…

To find out which moves you’d most benefit from practising, you can arrange an initial consultation by emailing me at dawnarkell1967@gmail.com or phoning 07555 505316 or explore the menu options above for more information.