Wk 96 – Rethinking Shoulder Stability & Mobility

Yoga is a lot about pushing and not a lot about pulling. Repetition of movement increases an imbalance in the body. This can cause a limitation in movement, strain on the connective tissues, pain and unbalanced appearance.

The body is meant to move in multiple directions and on different gravitational planes. There are opposing muscles that articulate our movement called Antagonist. Muscles that are always ON are referred to as Hyper Tonic which are in a lock shortened position. Muscles that are turned OFF are referred to as Hypo Tonic. This creates a condition called Upper Cross Syndrome, which is a slouching position in our posture. These muscles are said to have Sensory Motor Amnesia – forgetting to turn back ON or turn OFF.

In this practice we will explore this as Upper Cross Syndrome and how to practice strengthening the muscles that have turned off and are locked long, then calming the muscles that are turned on and locked short. This is to fulfil our desire to have a healthier relationship with our bodies, synergistic movement to have a fuller range of motion within the connective tissue and joint function.

In Yoga we work on the rhythm which improves our joint stability and efficiency of the range of motion. That draws us to the desired affect of being more balanced, aligned and in harmony which is shown in our posture, conveying our state of mind and well being as a result of our practice.