“Stand up straight, with your shoulders back.” – Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
In Dr. Peterson’s best selling book “12 Rules for Life” he details the immense psychological importance in presenting yourself to the world in a forthright, and assertive manner. He makes the evolutionary case that all creatures, all the way down to the level of lobsters – exhibit postural flexion as a result of their status. Holding an upright posture tells others, but more importantly – yourself – that you are no pushover. But the benefits of posture do not end there, and I would also caution you on the downsides of *always* and chronically holding an upright posture. Either extreme can lead to pain!
Motion is the Lotion?
When people think of posture, they usually think of something static, still, unmoving. The position you hold yourself in like a statue. There’s nothing good about being still, whether your posture is good while you are still or “bad” – the reality is being still, in itself is bad. The answer is movement, and a pattern of movement that honors what the body is capable of and designed to do. That’s why my preferred way to help someone recover postures they have forgotten how to access is Anatomy in Motion (AiM).
A Truly Dominant Lobster
What Is Anatomy in Motion (AiM)?
Anatomy in Motion is a movement system that challenges our brains gait programming. All human beings develop a ‘program’ for gait by repeatedly failing and eventually mastering walking at around 12 months old. Every human has a unique gait pattern, but there are commonalities across every individuals gait. Gary Ward mapped out these common patterns and now trains students to identify and challenge them…”
Simply put, a practitioner of Anatomy in Motion, does the following:
- Observes the gait
- Measures postural positions of bones
- Determines what movement pattern is missing
- Builds an environment and movement pattern that challenges the body to restore the missing pattern
- Guides the client with proper verbal cueing, telling them what sensations to look for and explore
Is Poor Posture REALLY that Bad?!
While I used to believe that poor posture was very bad, my views on this have evolved over time. Being stuck in a single posture is bad. Adopting a specific posture for a limited period of time is not bad. But most importantly the ability to adopt many different postures and bodily shapes is the best long term way to stave off pain that is caused by poor postures. Being stuck in any single position is bad, the ability to move out of a position is the answer.
Benefits of Anatomy in Motion
- Pain Relief: By correcting imbalances, AiM reduces strain on the spine and surrounding muscles.
- Improved Posture: AiM promotes natural body alignment without forcing rigidity.
- Increased Mobility: Restoring natural movement patterns improves flexibility and ease of motion.
- Long-Term Results: AiM addresses root causes, offering lasting relief instead of quick fixes.
Why Choose Pain and Performance Solutions for AiM Work?
I specialize in understanding the complex relationship between posture, movement, and pain. Having taken the course on six different occasions, I am deeply familiar with Anatomy in Motion – at a level few in the world are. There are incredible benefits to be had working with the Flow Motion Model, and I look forward to helping others create the necessary shifts in their body to be free from pain.
Schedule a free phone consultation to find out if my services are a good fit for you.