Here are 3 movements I do everyday with some basic information on why and why you should too!
Hanging
-
Strengthens connective tissue in your shoulders. This can help build the strength in the areas of your shoulders that tend to get injured and/or irritated.
-
Helps thoracic extension and shoulder flexion - basically it opens up your upper back and shoulders.
-
Hanging will help decompress your spine, especially your lower back.
Squat
-
Helps maintain or build hip function and range of motion (hip mobility).
-
Increases or maintains adequate ankle mobility.
-
Increases or maintains foundation leg strength by having to get in and out of the squat position.
Touch the Ground
-
Forces the maintenance of a basic movement (being able to pick things up off the ground).
-
Increases or maintains functional flexibility.
-
Promotes “earthing,” which has been shown to help relieve stress. (More on this in a later blog post)
Try different variation of each of these. No specific sets, reps, or time. Just do it by feel. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. Reach up and grab a door frame when standing in the hall. Wake up and head outside to touch the ground and see if it helps you wake up. Take a break from standing and sitting in a chair and lower into a squat for a couple of minutes and notice if you feel any different.
We have designed an atmosphere based on comfort (Chairs, tables, shoes, etc.). Though these things can be great and have a place in our lives, our bodies need to be in consistent states of; slight discomfort, puzzling positions and movements, larger movement of the joints, etc.
“We have even industrialized exercise: more people get pleasure from watching professional athletes compete in televised sports than by participating in sports themselves.” - Daniel E. Lieberman, The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease
If you are interested in following one of my online templates ($75/mo.) or want to join my individualized programming, feel free to email me at CMLofland@gmail.com or visit my website (www.ChrisLofland.com) for more info on programming, pricing, free articles and more! You can also follow me on Instagram at @C_Lofland
