RMAX products to correct posture?

[wadem]

I'm sure something like this has been asked before, so I apologize if this is a repeat of someone else's post.

Some members of my family have terrible postural habits. Just recently I have heard about some of their frustrations (second hand) from other family members. One of them is actually thinking of quitting her yoga class because she feels like some of the postures (or at least how SHE is doing them) are hurting her.

Observing them individually, it is obvious that their sense of where their bodies are is severely lacking. Simple motions are full of extra effort and I also have a theory that this might explain why that particular family unit has a history of being physically uncoordinated.

I would like to help, but I'm sure everyone has experienced what it is like to get a family member to listen to good advice.

I know the information and exercises that Coach Sonnon promotes would be of great benefit to them. The question is, which would be the best place to start?

I was considering Warrior Wellness, Freedom by Degree, or Zdorovye. The chosen program needs to address base level postural awareness and coordingation. What would also help is explanations of WHY they are practicing the exercises, what benefits they can expect, and how soon. This is a very impatient and kind of unmotivated group.

Any and all recommendations are hugely appreciated!

Best,

[Connie Brown]

First thought - if they haven't asked ME I don't even try.

Second thought - WW is the way to go. Bad posture and not knowing body mechanics is, if you know the snagged sweater analogy, is like having the sweater all snagged and twisted and pulled this way and that. WW evens things out. Plus it helps you clue in to where your movement is full and free, or kinky and stuck. WW tells people after a while why and how their posture got bad by "communicating" the causes. It told me why my left shoulder was weak (long story).

I wrote a series on WW Beginner at the "Laughing Warrior" web page that tells the "why" of each exercise:

http://www.conniesclubbellcafe.com/laughingwarrior.htm

But, if skepticism is strong, only "doing it" will show how great it is but they might not want to "do it" until they're sure it can be great. At some point the leap of faith that this is worth trying - has to come from the person.

[wadem]

Hi Connie! Thank you so much for the prompt response!

I completely agree with you on all points regarding motivating others and their preconceptions of trying things. In a lot of ways, I feel that trying to help could be a waste of my time. They are no different than most of us who will poo-poo a family member's advice but take a professional's word as gospel. There seems to be too much baggage with family members with these types of things. It always seems to be taken as criticism. Besides, I am not a picture of fitness myself (yet). Why would they listen to me?

I have been doing Warrior Wellness beginner level for a couple of months now, and have only heard one distinct reference to posture. I really haven't watched the rest enough to pick out the other gems of relevant information. I guess I should review the whole thing. :wink:

Thank you for the advice! I am planning on getting all of Coach's materials eventually, but will start with the foundation, which I read over and over is Warrior Wellness.

Best,

[Connie Brown]

HiI have been doing Warrior Wellness beginner level for a couple of months now, and have only heard one distinct reference to posture.
That's interesting, I hardly even noticed! Because people's posture straightens up over time, doing CST.

There are more posture-specific things in the Zdorovye series. In particular, an older tape, the "recovery" level of Zdorovye, has a couple of really great segments on posture. The tip about bringing your chest back under your head, instead of the "stand up like a soldier" thing, is what really lights up people when they see it! I got this no where else, and so say the people I show it to - it's like, "how come no one told us this in all this time."

Maybe if you watched the WW or Zdorovye tape along with them and were there to answer questions. It's really fun. I don't look like a specimen either yet, but people listen to me because of the way I can move (weirdly enough!!) and because the material so obviously speaks for itself.

[Coach Jones]

Getting on Warrior Wellness and following Connie's advice a great place to start. You're on the right track.

Remember to that sometimes you can sneak a concept or idea in under their radar. :wink:

You may be able to get them onboard easier by presenting it in a different way.

[wadem]

Connie and Brandon, thank you for the input!

Since I am planning on getting all of Coach's materials over time (because I REALLY want to learn about it from all angles), perhaps I will be able to figure out the correct approach. I have a feeling that if they see me move with a certain grace or coordination, they may want to do the same...much like what Connie said.

I was watching Softwork a few weeks ago, and my mother-in-law happened to walk in the room. She was amazed at how Scott could move and said that she wished she could move like that. My response was that she could if she practiced what he did. She seemed interested. What might also help her motivation is that she thought Scott was quite attractive. So that may be motivation enough (watch out, Coach!) :twisted: Hmmm, that might be a good marketing tool... :wink:

I appreciate all you input! This forum is awesome!

[JasonE]

One thing worth noting: posture is a reflection of one's ability to move effectively. Bad habits, fear-reactivity, negative self-image, stress and so on create patterns of tension that may become habitual. After a while, our CNS "forgets" that those tension chains are not natural, and it becomes the new "normal."

People loaded with so much excess tension that their posture is lousy often try to "force" good posture, whether in yoga or just by sitting up extra-straight. This does not correct the underlying problem; it only creates new chains of tension over the old ones. :roll:

Movement practice that takes them out of their comfort zone (characterized by limited ROM) will help their bodies relearn how to coordinate themselves. As their CNS "remembers" how to move in various ways, their static posture will improve with the quality of their movement poise. This is why CST Coaches use poise analysis as a primary tool for troubleshooting. By introducing them to movement, you will give them a key to self-correction of posture.

I agree with Connie that Warrior Wellness and her Laughing Warrior newsletter are most likely the best way to go. If your mother-in-law is interested, help her get the info she needs and encourage her practice. If she notices benefits, she will most likely continue and tell other family members, saving you much trouble. :wink:

[bluedrift]

Being relatively new to WW I was previously doing the 16 exercises ala Xingyi. However, I always thought there was something missing, particularly with respect to the spine and being a more complete approach to joint mobility.

Over time through practice I am learning more about all the connections throughout my body. Before certain areas were like big blocks in my mind but now a block has become an interconnected group of smaller blocks. Another example is I noticed how a shoulder circle actually affects the lower back quite significantly(tensegrity).

With this awareness I discovered areas of concern that I didn't realize existed before, that is I am now discovering some of the "weakest links". Good thing I found them now because in ten years...

:shock:

I am now in the process of working them out and have the warm and wonderful help of ideas and insights from others on this board. This is a great place for healing and growing.

I can already see that more time in practice will lead me to be more of my own diagnostic. I have already worked out a neck kink in less than 48 hours that when happened in the past would last 3-5 days.

:D

One must get to know their own body better through a gentle medium that is coaxing/healing and while we should seek professional advice WW certainly "helps" empower the individual.

[wadem]

Kevin and Jason, thank you for your thoughts. :)

I agree that whatever the approach, it needs to be a gentle sell.

I do realize that the results we see physically are the sum of many factors. I know that there are some esteem issues, etc. And certainly trying to force good posture is a waste of time that only creates more tension.

I believe that the RMAX exercises are fun and can be relatively non-threatening (i.e., not seem hard to do) up to a certain point. This makes it much more likely that people will continue. Hopefully I will be able to get them on board.

Best,