lifting

Labor Day was originally conceived as a celebration of workers and the contributions they make to our communities. These days, the holiday has taken on a different feel. To most people, Labor Day means a long weekend, friends, family, a backyard barbecue, and a chance to party. If you’ve ever hosted a Labor Day gathering, though, you know there is still plenty of labor involved in having fun! Someone has to carry the food and drink, set up the furniture, prepare the grill, and clean up afterward. Even something as seemingly effortless as standing around chatting for several hours can become surprisingly demanding on the body when we don't have healthy body alignment. Here’s your Labor Day Party Posture Checklist so you can enjoy your party without aches and pains:

For many people, their first encounter with back pain is when they become parents. That was certainly true in my case, although, to be factually correct, I was a mom-to-be in the ninth month of my first pregnancy when a herniated disc brought me, literally, to my knees.

My Gokhale Method® journey has unfolded in stages. I attended an in-person weekend Gokhale® Foundations course in 2016, seeking relief for a stiff neck. My neck had been a chronic problem during my long career as a professional oboe player, and it was now much worse after a freak fall down the stairs. As I began to incorporate the Gokhale principles into my daily life, my neck gradually improved.

The Question  Can I get Gokhale-fit in 9 weeks (for a long overseas trip) via the online Gokhale Elements course?

In the first installment of this story, we discussed some physical movement patterns that can be supported or reinforced by owning / walking / observing dogs. Here, we touch on a few more benefits from having a furry pet!

Carrying and Lifting

As a dog owner, you will find yourself needing to lift well. It may be to carry bags of dog food, a pup, or perhaps a much-loved elderly or sick dog. By following the postural principles of the Gokhale Method, you can do this without strain or fear of injury. The most important techniques for this context are hip-hinging, inner corset, and maintaining a healthy shoulder structure.

 

Carry your pet with shoulders back, close to your body. Photo courtesy