Am I breathing my breath, or is my breath breathing me?
In moments of overwhelm or disconnect this is my go-to check-in question.
This inquiry is done to notice who is in the drivers seat at this moment. Studies have shown us that a memory causes the body to internally respond as if we were living that exact moment in real time. So when Iām stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, the breath becomes my focus.
Left unchecked the breath breathes me, meaning itās a free for all. And thereās a major difference in my internal landscape when Iām breathing shallow rapid breathes, or full conscious breathes. But when Iām breathing the breath, Iām aware, present, and doing my best to support my entire body.
Does it mean that the stressors disappear? No. But it helps me to stay grounded, have awareness, and have clarity around a better reaction. Not for anyone other than me. We know stress isnāt healthy for our body and being aware of the breath is one of my favorite ways to support selfš
Does your low back get sore after a flightāļø
Repost @dr.jacob.harden
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SAVE YOUR LOW BACK WHEN FLYING
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š«Long flights are notorious for killing your back and leaving you feeling wrecked. Believe me, I just got done with 8 hours of air time in the last day.š©
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It's so uncomfortable because our bodies simply aren't built to hold one static position for hours on end. And yes, it would be great to get a little more wiggle room, bit jet fuel ain't cheap so we have to adapt to our surroundings.
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šŗSitting in a plane seat puts you in a good degree of lumbar flexion, especially if they have those huge headrests too. So you're going to be forced into a flexed position. If that becomes uncomfortable, it's your brain trying to tell you to move, but you're not always able too. My favorite way to handle thay is with a half filled water bottle. I get the big Smart Water bottles so it'll fit all the way across my back. That'll put your spine into extension and give your body a new position and your brain can tone down those discomfort signals.š
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Now, the bottle won't work forever either. Nothing will (except maybe one of those lay flat seats, but I'll keep dreaming). So when the extension becomes uncomfortable, go back to flexion and it'll feel ok to be there. In between, hit up some pelvic tilts to move or if you know you have back problems, spend the money to select an aisle seat so you can walk around a bit.
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For most of us, flights are about survival with the least amount of discomfort. Hope this gives you a couple tools to make it a little more enjoyable.āā¤
More Sandbag fun!!!! This is a lateral deadlift. It might look easy but there is a lot going in this exercise! Moving in a different plane of motion, hip stability, maintaining proper feet, keeping lats engaged, getting into that deep hinge..oh, all while holding a huge bag with sand shifting around in itš
Guarantee you'll feel your glutes the next morning and potentially the following dayš„
These babies have definitely helped to dial up my glute power and increase hip stability!
#ultimatesandbagsdvrt
#ImABagsAndBellsKindaGirl
A few weeks ago marked 8 years since I had a hysterectomy. I'll go into that some other time...
At the time of my surgery I was 65pds heavier then I am currently. The incision healed, but post surgery I didn't do a damn thing. My core has been on a permanent vacation. I've been training for years, plagued with injuries due to compensation and nothing could unlock this "mystery". Then I discovered @ultimatesandbag. Although every exercise with the bag brings something different to the table, THIS ONE changed my life-changed it! This is the exercise that allows me to connect in my kb presses, this helps me feel connection in my squats. Sandbags are able to get into the corners of my training where kettlebells and other tools can't quite reach, and they improve everything-even my massages. If you haven't worked with them, go online and check out Ultimate Sandbag Training. Tons of content and great quality products created by two of the nicest and most brilliant people I've metšŖš¼
Check out this cool visual from Dr. Jacob Harden
WHY YOU SHOULD LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS
You've all heard that you should lift with your legs and not your back. But I feel like no one ever explains why?š So I had some š¬ editing fun with this video from my buddy @jake.price.dc out in Houston.
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You see, it all comes down to physics.š You have this thing called a "moment arm". This is the shortest distance from the axis of rotation (hip joint here) and the line of force from whatever your lifting. A longer moment arm means the weight is relatively heavier and more strenuous to lift because the load is further away. Shorter is the opposite.
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To understand better hold a ā10 pound weight by your side and then extend your arm fully. You'll find the latter to be heavier because the weight is further away.
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āSo when you keep the load far away, it's harder to lift, more stress on your back, and harder to keep a stable spinal position. Not good!
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Instead, get the load as close as possible, get tight and stable, and lift from there. That may have you squatting it up like the video or doing more of a deadlift motion. Either way, you want that weight as close as possible.
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Share this with a friend and let's spread the word on better lifting mechanics. No more injuries from bad technique!
Repost: @dr.jacob.harden
See you at the Sunday Reset!!
