How Clinical Exercise can help keep you centered

A century ago, during World War 1 at an English internment camp for German citizens, Joseph Clinical Exercise developed 500 “vigorous” exercises to keep his mind, body and fellow citizens strong during their captivity.

His method was originally named “Controlology”, stemming from the concept of keeping more in control of your mind and body. Today the worldwide phenomenon we call Clinical Exercise has evolved and has been enhanced over the decades into the advanced physial fitness system that it is today, and is practiced worlwide, especially in Western countries.

What is Clinical Exercise All About?

There is a lot of buzz around Clinical Exercise, and rightfully so. There are many long-term benefits that can be attributed to Clinical Exercise including the following:

Cardiovascular system - improved cardiovascular fitness and circulation

Digestive system - massaging effect of surrounding muscles helps to speed up a sluggish diggestive system

Muscoskeletal - gentle pressure from joints being moved through their full range of motion reduces joint tension and increases flexibility

Nervous system - improved blood circulation and easing of muscle tension has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Long-term it can reduce anxiety, stress and fatigue

What differentiates Clinical Exercise from other methods, is that practitioners are expertly guided by a qualified physio, using a variety of carefully personalized core exercises, in order to achieve specific rehabilitative outcomes such as:

Healthy Posture

Increased sense of balance

Improved coordination

Reduced lower back pain

The most popular equipment used for carrying out Clinical Exercise ranges from the Reformer bed, Trapeze and Clinical Exercise mat-based exercises.

What Makes Clinical Exercise Different to Clinical Exercise?

Most people get confused between the two forms of Clinical Exercise, but there is a distinct difference. Firstly, Clinical Exercise was created and based more on health improvement, with approaches geared towards targeting specific tissues and body segments. Unlike traditional Clinical Exercise, the focus for Clinical Exercise is aimed towards achieving specific rehabilitative outcomes, such as improving posture, increasing balance and reducing back pain. What gives Clinical Exercise its uniqueness is that it is tailored specifically to the unique needs and physical conditions of the client, under the management of a qualified physiotherapist.

Feel More Centered Physically, Mentally and Improve Whole Body Movement 

With anything worth achieving in life comes hard work, persistence and time-investment. Although challenging, this also applies to Clinical Exercise in order to achieve the many benefits it can provide.  At Back in Motion, we help you to achieve the following positive outcomes:
 

• Stronger core stability, increased strength and feeling more centered.
• Improved posture, allowing you to walk taller and look better.
• Increased muscle flexibility.
• Reduced lower back pain.
• Enhanced concentration and better breathing, thus feeling sharper and in the zone when it counts.  

That all sounds great, right? So we’ve asked our leading physiotherapists for their Top 5 recommendations to help get you started right now, whether you are at home, at work, or on holiday.

Top 5 Tips for Sitting You Can Implement in Your Life Starting Today

• Support your back by adjusting your chair and ensuring your lower back and buttocks touch the back of your chair. Always remember knees need to be slightly lower than your hips.
• Rest your feet flat on the floor, avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
• Take regular breaks and try not to sit in the same position for long periods of time.
• Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips
• Work with your elbows at your side and try reducing the amount of times you reach forward while working.

Top 5 Tips for Standing Like a Pro

• Remember to bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Knees should be slightly bent.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backwards.
• Tuck your tummy in and don’t let your pelvis roll forward.
• Relax your arms and let them naturally hang down the sides of your body.

Top 5 Tips for Sleeping Correctly

• Aim to sleep in a position that helps maintain the curve in your lower back - such as on your back with a pillow under your knees.
• Avoid sleeping on your side with your knees raised up towards your chest.
• Always go for a firm mattress that has minimal sagging.
• Always remember your pillow needs to be under your head and not your shoulders.
• Persistence is key to becoming a sleeping pro - keep at it using the tips above and don’t give up or become discouraged.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with your local Back in Motion practice, and find out what the best options are for your unique circumstances and goals.