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shoulder alignment

lawrence82
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05/30/2009 - 7:20pm
shoulder alignment
I have a small tip that I used to give me a feel for good ahoulder alignment. When doing shoulder rolls, instead of rolling them back one by one, I roll both shoulders at the same time being careful not to arch my back. I do this in the mirror and I can see a real visual diffrence when I go from hunched over to a straight upper body. Esther I am wondering what are your views on this? but to me it was something that I did one day and it feels more right bbecause I can easier see and feel my chest area open up.
Maya
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09/16/2008 - 4:29pm
Dave,

We usually advise against rolling back both shoulders at once, primarily because it is easy to end up arching the back. Most people also find that one shoulder at a time works better. But if you much prefer doing both at once and you find it more effective for your body - and, as you said, you are very careful to not arch back in the lumbar spine - then feel free to do so.

Maya
Instructor, Esther Gokhale Wellness Center
keyboardclass
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12/11/2009 - 4:39am
I watched the google video and have ordered the book.  I was very impressed by 'one shoulder at a time' roll back.  I've always struggled to get kids to not lever their shoulder blades back with their arms.  One shoulder sat a time allows them to better concentrate on the correct coordination - after all there are a lot of muscles involved.  Thanks Esther! 
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09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
I, too, find that most students can pay attention to the movement better if they roll only one shoulder at a time. I explain to them that they are charting new (old!) territory especially as they move their shoulder blade backwards in the shoulder roll. If they work two shoulders at the same time they tend to do the movement "mechanically" and end up in the same place they started. Some students seem to do fine rolling both shoulders simultaneously, ending up with better alignment and no sway in the low back, so there isn't any hard and fast rule about this.
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