Sometimes our pains and decreased ranges of motion are caused by our posture patterns. In Align, a relatively new class being offered at the Wellness Center and taught by Meredith Stephens, participants work on a combination of stretches, strengtheners and self-massage that may address those posture problems.
Meredith explains the techniques she teaches in class grew out a movement lab she designed for her certification in Structural Integration. It uses techniques from yoga, pilates, self-massage with toning balls and foam rollers, active isolated stretching and from Feldenkrais, a method of improving pain and movement through body awareness.
“The stretching portions look a lot like yoga because it is. Yoga is extremely effective in opening tight fascia in the body,” she said.
The human body contains a layer of fibrous tissue call “fascia” that connect to and surround muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Those tissues can develop areas of “pull” she explains. “The lines transmit forces, limit or check movement and support our frame. When imbalanced or altered either through injury, poor posture or repetitive strain, the pulls become uneven, leading to postural distortion and pain.”
So, Meredith starts by focusing along those lines. And, since starting the class, she’s adjusted each one to focus on specific areas of the body as requested by the class participants.
“I love working with the class participants, helping people improve body awareness and learn how to perform stretches more effectively,” Meredith said. “I love to hear how much it is helping people with common ailments. I have a great group of people who are regular attendees and always welcome new-comers.”
Meredith notes that participants seem to enjoy the stretch work and the self-massage they do using tennis balls. “They are often amazed at areas of tension, restrictions and soreness in their bodies and then at how effective these techniques can be at addressing these areas.”
Meredith often has participants who ask for specific attention on the the hips or shoulders, on their sciatic area, and on their feet. ” Even though we work in specific areas, the effect is global, due to the nature of fascia,” she says.
Anyone can join the Align class (5:15 Tuesdays) and the only requirement is to wear comfortable clothing that stretches. “Everyone goes at their own pace,” Meredith said. “I’ll walk around the room to assist people with their alignment, so that they can feel the moves working.”
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