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Created: Friday, 15 March 2019

Step 1: Re-Establish a Good Posture

Want to look younger and slimmer? Then it’s time to improve your posture. In today’s modern life most of us have space for postural improvement. On an average, we spend five hours a day hunching over a digital device. Add to that the time we’re seated while driving a car, reading, or watching TV. Being in a bad position all the time forces body parts like back, neck, and shoulders to carry unnecessary weight and with time we develop a forward bent posture that lead to postural pains and makes us look older. When it comes to our waistline, slumping and slouching turn off the abs, which allow the belly to protrude. 

Not only does a bad posture affect our appearance, it also has an impact on the functions in our bodies, such as our breathing. When your body parts are optimally aligned you breathe more easily. This in turn will provide more oxygen to your brain, lungs, muscles and basically all the cells in the body and make you glow and give you more energy. 

What characterizes a good posture?

A good posture means that your body parts are correctly aligned while being supported by the right amount of muscle tension. This helps you stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that put the least strain on the muscles and ligaments during the movement. Normally, we don’t think about our posture and it takes years to develop bad habits. The positive news is that you can do something about it. In order to achieve a good posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles. You also need to become consciously aware of your posture so that you can correct it on a regular basis.  

Effectiveness of Pilates in correcting posture

The best way to correct a bad posture is through exercise. In this respect Pilates stands out as one of the most effective methods. With its focus on core stability, posture, flexibility, strength, breathing and movement control, you get the optimal combination for correcting your alignment.You learn how to differentiate what muscles that need to do the work, and the ones that should stay relaxed. As you lengthen into good posture, you’ll engage the deep lying abdominals and it immediately takes off the weight in the middle. As a consequence, your waist-line looks slimmer. With a thoughtful selection of exercises, especially by working out on Pilates equipment like Reformer, Cadillac, Barrels and Chair, you can adjust a forward bending posture. Other benefits are diminished aches and pains throughout the body, including back and neck pain, hip pain, leg and foot pain. Decreased wear and tear on the joints which in turn reduces the possibility of arthritis.

Book a class!

If you’re unsure about posture and you want to learn how to fix it, I can recommend a couple of individual Pilates classes. A qualified Pilates teacher will address your posture and suggest exercises for correction. 

Most of us know good posture when we see it, and we are inspired by how free, elegant and strong it makes a person look. Don’t underestimate as how much more confident and dynamic you come across in all settings of life. There are so many reasons to attend to one's posture I think it is worthwhile to take a moment to get really motivated.

In good health,

Kerstin xx

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Created: Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Age with energy, power and zest

Are you in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond? In this blog section of my homepage you’ll find ideas on how to live a healthy lifestyle and feel amazing while you age. We all grow older over time, but the rate at which we age is something we can influence by making a choice. It’s never too late to become fit and energized, look better and add vitality. I’m not talking about putting pressure on ourselves to resemble someone in their 20s when we are in the 50s or 60s - we already have enough of that influence in our anti-aging culture. But instead we can understand aging as a natural process and take action by holding on to our health for decades to come. By choosing nutritious foods, exercise more, avoid toxic exposure and reduce stress, we can do a lot to slow down the aging process while enjoying the positive part of becoming more mature. 

Small steps for improvement

I’m 52 years old. I know it’s not old, but it’s not young either. I have come to the point in life where I have realized that consistency beats the extreme. It took me half a lifetime of frustrating jo-jo dieting to understand that to have a strong, fit and lean body, you don’t need to follow any crazy strict guidelines. An all-or-nothing mindset is not helpful. Simply because it's impossible to stay motivated in the long run, provided you live a normal social life with normal stuff to do. The good news is that you can focus on the small steps and even enjoy the journey to increased vitality. More on this theme in the upcoming blogposts. 

I’m convinced that Pilates is one of the most intelligent exercise methods on this planet, especially when you have passed your 40s. Why? Because it’s much more than an efficient deep-muscular workout. Not only will you get stronger, more flexible and get a better posture. In a high-quality Pilates class, you’ll also have a cleansing effect to your body, an improved circulation and a stronger mind and body connection. 

No matter what your age, no matter what stage you are in life, if you aren’t happy with your fitness level, change it! Jump on the healthy-wagon-lifestyle right now and start somewhere. No procrastination. One step at a time. I’m here to guide you.

In good health, 

Kerstin xx