Pelvic Health and Alignment

Photographs used with permission of Mandi Cavallaro This week I participated in a Nia class in Brisbane. Going in I didn't really know what to expect, except that it was done barefoot (sign me up!) but I'm so glad I went!  The best way I can describe it is simply freedom of  movement to beautiful music. The teacher guides you through the moves but there is really no strict focus on technique other than to let your body just feel the music and to do what feels right, exploring all of the motions that are available to you. I felt a little self-conscious initially but I honestly had a smile on my face the entire time and soon enough felt very relaxed and free.  This is me doing some Nia inspired moves on the balcony of the gorgeous place we are currently house-sitting! As someone who loves music and whole body movement, I have often thought about looking for a local dance studio, but since I really have no dance training (and not always the best coordinatio...

Turns out that walking is a pretty big deal and is vital for the function of our pelvic floor muscles. Using your own two legs to get around also has unique and widespread benefits throughout the body compared to other forms of exercise such as cycling, swimming, running and even the elliptical or stair climber.  Walking promotes: Bone Mineral Density (preventing osteoporosis)   by repetitively  loading the bones of the lower body and spine in a vertical manner with vibrations from the heel striking the ground Cardiovascular Health by recruiting every single muscle in the body from the small muscles in your feet to your core, shoulders and ribs for optimum innervation and circulation.  Weight Management  as your body is able to burn more fat at moderate, rather than high intensities and heart rates Musculoskeletal Health with a natural frequency and loading to help nourish, rather than burn through the cartilage in the knees and hips and of...