Hi folks,
Well, Halloween is over, and we are settling in for the winter training season, which I am glad to say will include plenty of strength training during the fall. I really enjoy working with weights in the gym. The trick with increased strength work, however, is to maintain flexibility, which I approach in a number of ways, including Feldenkrais instruction from Karen of Move with Elan, in Chapel Hill, NC. Today I want to show you the nature of my instruction today, which was designed to loosen my shoulder blades in order that they float over my rib cage. Such flexibility is critical for many aspects of my training, and it helps me to carry out the physical tasks of daily life in a relaxed and fluid manner. Here is a short video that Karen and I prepared today.
I should point out that I was working with my damaged, left shoulder for this video clip (which contains an error to make Yoga teachers cringe). Injuries, such as that sustained when I dislocated my shoulder a number of years ago, can result in much reduced range of motion, some of which is attributable to guarding, or tension in other muscle groups in an attempt by the body to protect the damaged area. However, this tension can remain long after the injury is repaired. Feldenkrais, amongst other things, has certainly improved my range of motion and functional ability of my left shoulder, as you can see in the video.
It takes a little while before one understands the logic of many of the Feldenkrais exercises, which have been beautifully crafted to bring you in touch with your body, permit smooth movements with optimal biomechanics, reduce bodily resistance and tension, and effectively make you a better athlete. I strongly recommend that you give it a try; it sure works for me.
-k @FitOldDog
Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.
Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.
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