Ribs and the Regal Audrey Hepburn

Why care about ribs?

My bestie Ginny said:  "I read your newsletter. I look forward to it. I even try the mini-lessons.  But you haven't convinced my why I should leave my comfy home on a cold day to take a lesson."  It's a good friend who will put it straight like that.  

Yes, it can be difficult to describe what it feels like to roll up after an Awareness Through Movement lesson.  This is a practice that isn't quite exercise, isn't quite meditation.  It definitely isn't an aerobic workout.  It is about finding the easiest way to move so you can do the things you love to do better. It's practical yet it has a profound, full mind-body-spirit affect.

I can say that after an intense yoga class, I feel all wrung out and stretched. I work hard.  In contrast, after an Awareness Through Movement lesson, I am deeply relaxed and, often, in a meditative state. I arise regally, with my chest open wide, balanced over my hips, head gliding above.  

I can also attest that every student leaves class taller and more open.

This week's lessons are about softening your ribs to move your torso instead of, say, hurting your low back or shoulders.  If you Nordic Ski, this makes your stride longer and easier.  If you Alpine Ski, this allows you to more easily face downhill while your legs move under you.

If you love yoga, you will discover the amazing ability of the ribs to elongate the spine for twists, backbends and handstands.  If you sit all day, this will help take pressure off the low back and shoulders when you type or drive.

StopLight Mini Lesson: The Steering Wheel Chest Opener

If you have 15 seconds, try this mini-lesson:  Place your hands on the steering wheel so your shoulders round a little. Push against the wheel so your upper and lower back round into the seat back.  Inhale and gently pull the wheel to draw your chest forward. Exhale and push back, rounding your upper and lower back. Repeat a few times. Really overdo the rounding backwards; the more you exaggerate the rounding, the straighter you sit up afterwards.