Back Pain. 99% of the people who walk through our doors suffer from it in some shape of form. While rest and ice plus NSAIds might help in the short term, they do nothing to address the underlying reason why the pain visited you.
For many folks, a combination of poor stability and mobility throughout the body is the culprit The inability to stabilize the spine in certain positions along with poorly conditioning "deep core" aka torso muscles may result in pain or discomfort. When the body can't absorb and adapt to stressors, pain or inflammation is inevitible.
Enter the Birddog: So named due to fact you look like a hunting dog searching for its prize. We use the Birddog as a movement screen but it also functions a a fantastic core stabilzer/conditioner. Dr. Stuart McGill. the preeminent Spinal Biomechanist in the world, places the Birddog as one of his top exercises to prescribe for people with severe lumbar back pain.
The Birddog consists of kneeling on hands, knees and feet (initially) and extending a leg and opposite arm whilst maintaining posture and balance.
The progressions are simple:
The videos here demonstrate a series of "Resets" that can be used to improve ones rotary stability if compromised. They can be quiet challenging even to those who consider themselves ‘barbell’ strong. There is a degree of balance, stability, prescison, motor control and postural integrity that is evident in the movement.
The basics are always mastered before progressing to the next level. Are you interested in learning the basics? The weekend of 11/12 we are hosting a 1 Day Original Strength Pressing Reset Course, followed by our Second Annual Crawl on The Mall Event. This years event aims to eclipse last years with renowned movement and fitness speakers, games, events and post event libations!
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Self-care is “the verb of self-love. It’s really just saying, ‘How do I put into action loving myself, and reminding myself that I value my time and deserve nice things'? If it makes you feel good, it’s self-care. If it feeds your soul, it’s self-care.”
It’s a simple question. One of my favorite questions to ask as a gauge towards my alignment with truth, love, and abundance. Bringing awareness to your current focus can tell you much about where you are headed and what you are attracting as a result.
I'd love to share the advice that I wish I had known earlier: please make sure to catch yourself if you are someone who puts yourself down or buys into the saying that "we shouldn't get our hopes up" or that a goal has to be "reasonable."
Realize that we can only serve others from a place of abundance when that Universe first exist within us. You can attempt to fake it, but the Universe can’t be deceived. So, follow the whisper. Follow what feels right within you.
I am often asked: do you get adjusted too Doc? How often? Through the science of simply listening to my body, I have arrived at the number ten.
What would the world be like ruled by YOU? Would there be mandatory nap times each day and breakfast for every meal? Unlimited hugs? Check out Beth Lindley's (Health Educator & Raw Foods Coach) story in this month's blog!
