I had my second pilates class this morning.
It didn't feel so strange this time around. In fact, bits and pieces began to fall into place. I'm beginning to understand the concept of breathing properly, isolating various muscles and aligning my spine.
My instructor has decided I need to concentrate on exercises (or "challenges", as he calls them) that will loosen my spine and my upper back -- the triangle between my neck and shoulders -- because that's where I store all my tension. To me, this is not news.
He also pointed out I tend to favour my right side, that my spine "sways" that way, so I have to really concentrate on "correcting" that whenever possible. I also need to keep my chin in check, to tuck it in instead of throwing it up and forward when I sit and stand.
I know. It sounds mad. But it I like that these lessons are making me aware of my body and how I hold it and how that affects my muscles and can, in turn, cause pain and stiffness.
It's not exactly going to stop the arthritis in my hands, but it might just help me avoid the recurring shoulder and neck problems I experience...
