The Second Step to Becoming a Better Sitter
In my previous article, I uncovered the issue of unconscious body misuse, which is the first step towards improving your sitting habits. You learned how this unconscious misuse often underlies many of the musculoskeletal problems that seem to afflict many of you unexpectedly. Now, you might be wondering, "What do I need to know in order to recognize this subtle process of body (mis)use?"
How Can You Recognize Body (Mis)use?
Your journey toward becoming a better sitter begins with understanding the structural organization of your body. As mentioned in the introduction of this series, your body can be broken down into three key parts:
Core Kinetic Chain (CKC)
Lower Limb Kinetic Chain (LLKC)
Upper Limb Kinetic Chain (ULKC)
The Foundation of Your Body's Structure
The core kinetic chain serves as the foundation of your body's structure. It comprises three essential "links": the head, spine, and pelvis. These links establish a dynamic, interdependent relationship with one another. If any one of these three links is compromised, it affects the other two, thereby impacting both the structural and functional integrity of your body. Your head and pelvis act as the endpoints of the CKC and play significant roles in directing your body's movement. Think of it like a long rope; when you grab one end and give it a quick, strong shake, it generates a ripple or wave that travels along its entire length. This is similar to what happens between the pelvis and spine when you move, whether it's walking or changing sitting positions. A similar dynamic can occur between the head and the spine, depending on which end initiates the motion.
Changing the Interaction of Your Kinetic Chains
Visualize these chain links as balls that interact with each other. The goal is to have the flexibility and coordination to change these interactions as needed throughout the day. It's best to avoid becoming "stuck" in a comfortable but rigid body position or posture.
Change Your Intention, Change Your Posture
Watch this short video link that explains this process and start applying the related exercises while you're sitting. To make this exercise effective, focus your intention on the CKC and its links. Observe this dynamic in other people, whether you're at a restaurant, shopping mall, work, or elsewhere. Pay attention to when these links appear to be stuck or out of their "normal" structural balance or alignment in others. The goal is to train your eyes to recognize the CKC and its three links in other people. With time, as you notice poor postural habits in others, it will trigger self-awareness of your own body posture at that moment. Eventually, you'll start noticing the subtle body cues associated with poor postural habits as they happen. This observational process evolves into a self-care and movement management practice.
Embrace Curiosity
Approach this exercise with curiosity and playfulness. Have fun with it, and be open to exploration. I look forward to hearing your feedback on how this information has impacted your sitting experiences.
Until our next encounter,
Rick
