Health
The Power of Posture BY CLAIRE GRAY, OWNER OF RENU
When we are trying to improve our fitness, we tend to focus on our weight control, energy levels and body shape - all important aspects of our health and wellbeing. Good posture is often taken for granted or considered something that will come naturally with an exercise routine.
T
he truth is that, whilst the different activities we do may be fantastic for certain areas of fitness, they do not always complement good posture. That is something you need to consider separately. Usually flexion is the enemy!
way system means that it is easy to get a good workout in the minimum time and also much easier to maintain social distancing. Pilates is specifically designed to address posture and alignment, and this is also a main focus in our Fitness Yoga class. Claire’s online “lockdown survival” classes will continue until further notice. If you would like to try them, you can find more information at www.clairegrayfitnesssolutions.co.uk.
Consider the positions you are in when driving your car, doing the gardening, ironing, cooking, cycling, sitting at a desk. Often, when we try on a new outfit, we pull our shoulders back, put our pelvis in a good position, grow tall and take a look sideways at our reflection. How great do you look?!
Here are a few exercises you can do at home to improve your posture.
1
Good posture makes you look at least half a stone slimmer, more toned and more confident. Your clothes hang much better on your body and your internal organs all settle into their correct position, meaning you breathe more efficiently and your skeletal system is in a much better alignment, causing less stress on your joints. It can also improve your digestion. Our gym is designed to ensure that you are in the best alignment when you train and work all the important postural muscles. The circuit-based one-
Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Draw your chin to your chest and push the back of your head into the floor. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.
2
While you are here, squeeze your hips and lift them off the floor and then lower again. Repeat several times daily.
3
Sit on the edge of a dining room chair with your feet flat on the floor and sit up as tall as you can. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.
4
While you are sitting in this position, draw in your chin and squeeze your shoulder blades together and release. Repeat several times daily.
RENU GYM IS OPEN FROM JULY 25TH
Ladies only ● Safe social distancing ● Virtual spin classes available all day No need to book ● 30 minute workout using all major muscle groups Free VIP access to the member area with lots of different workouts to enjoy
ALL FOR £20 PER MONTH.
Book your free trial today. Call us now 01778 423923
Renu, 27 Abbey Road, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9EN • 01778 423923 • www.renu.uk.com 4
Bourne
AUGUST 2020
