Prepping for Winter
I can’t believe Christmas is two weeks away!! Wasn’t it just summer? My husband can tell Christmas is coming by the daily ringing of the doorbell with good ol UPS dropping off soon to be Christmas presents for family and friends (online shopping is a god send!).
The other day
I went into the closet to begin opening the boxes, tallying who I have left to
shop for, and begin my wrapping. A half hour went by and I could already feel
my neck and upper back stiffening up from leaning over the boxes. This led me to
thinking……I do everything in front of me. Carrying boxes, wrapping presents,
laundry, texting, driving, picking up the girls, treating patients….. I am
constantly leaning forward and this is putting increased strain on my neck and
low back. Not to mention, the holidays can be stressful! Getting the house
ready for my parents visit, wanting to make sure I have the perfect gift for
everyone. Planning holiday dinners and constantly on the go…. No wonder I have
a million trigger points in my shoulders!! Does this sound familiar?
So I am
resolving to do something different this winter. As I have blogged about
before, I love running and that is usually my go to form of exercise and stress
relief. But as the weather begins to get chilly I am going to change things up
and you should too! Choose three of your regular work out days to add in some
posture exercises. Here is my plan:
Day 1: Foam
roll pec stretch or doorway pec stretch
Day 2:
Standing rows and thoracic extensions
Day 3: Low
lunge with rotation and tree pose
Perform these
exercises for a minute of time for each set. A continuing education course I recently
attended reminded me on the importance of training our muscles for endurance
type of activities. Holding good posture is an all-day event! So work on low
resistance of these exercises, but increasing your time performing them (work
up to performing for 5 minutes at a time!).
Incorporating
these simple exercises into my daily routine will help me decrease the strain
on my neck and shoulders and help me stand a little taller this winter. (But
you better believe I will still be asking for that massage gift certificate forChristmas!!).
Happy
Holidays!!
TheraCORE Physical Therapy Locations
Five Seasons Family Sports Club
6901 S. Madison
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
630.590-.409
16622 W. 159th St., Ste. 503
Lockport, IL 60441
815.838.5070
350 E. Ogden Ave., Ste. 200
Westmont, IL 60559
630.908.7430
No comments:
Post a Comment