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Updated: Sep 7, 2020
Did you know that optimal core function arises as the by-product of re-educating tight muscles to release and do the job they were designed to do?
Do you brace your belly during movement and life?
Did you know that this can cause pain in your body?
We also want you to know that bracing leads to poor balance, wear and tear on joints and habituation of muscles that cause further discomfort.
Here is a testimonial from a graduate teacher that attended a recent training we held in Toronto talking about wanting to know how to help her Vinyasa Yoga students move with less pain:
“I came to the training because students kept coming to me with pain. I now have a greater understanding of how to help people move well and still present them with the physical challenge and relaxation that so many people want from yoga.”
RS, SomaYoga Intensive 2019
After completing our Training, RS taught her traditional vinyasa class that integrated some of the teaching principles she learned at the Intensive. One being, not to brace with core through movement.
Her student shared an interesting testimonial the day after:
“For attempting to not engage my core during certain poses last night (in class), my core aches today, lol. Great class!”
Her student directly experienced functional stability and movement from her center, allowing her to get more engagement from her core muscles than had she locked and braced them through her whole practice as she was used to doing.
Have you ever been told to suck your belly in to prevent back pain? Or is it a habit to do so, because you thought that was the right thing to do?
Try this little experiment.
Spend the day today noticing how often you brace your belly or try to engage your core.
How does it make you feel?
Does it make your back, hips, legs, feel better or worse?
Again noticing your tendency to brace in your core. Each time you notice this involuntary bracing, let it go. Breathe into your belly, release and soften your belly.
How does that feel?
What is the effect of letting your belly go on your back, hips and legs?
We’d love to hear from you.
Interesting stuff right? We think so.
Stay tuned for more learning gems.
