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Body Concept:
Getting To Know You
Body concept is the picture you hold in your mind of your body and this determines how you move. You are probably unaware of this process in action but if the picture you have is inaccurate, you movement will be inefficient. This can lead to injury or aches and pains because your biomechanics will be effected as wrong muscles will be used to perform a task. For example, do you lift your shoulder to operate a computer mouse or lift a cup? Do you need to?
If your shoulder has become part of the upper arm in your mind it will be unnecessarily involved for these actions. Maybe it's not a problem to lift your cup, but what if you sit with the shoulder held up at your desk all day? Or you run ten miles with both shoulders pulled up? Adds up to quite a waste of effort. Try my quick body awareness test below and assess your knowledge.
Body Awareness Test
1. Where does your head meet your spine?
click here for answer
2. Can you locate your hips joint?
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3. Take a deep breath, which parts of you move?
click here for answer
4. Get up from a chair, which muscles contract?
click here for answer
How did you score? If you have scored top marks, well done! You will be a poised and skillful individual who rarely suffers from injury and the more common aches and pains.
If you have failed on any of these tests you may have developed performance limiting habits that are corrupting your body concept, limiting progression and eventually lead to injury. Your will need to address this soon before your movement deteriorates further. You may want to try my
FREE online fitness program
where you can learn how to improve your movement and posture through developing a better body concept.
Or you might like to consider downloading one of my
FULL fitness programs
and really put your mind and body to the test to get the most from your training.
Try my ultimate Fitness Test - it's not what you think!
You will probably work on your strength, stamina and suppleness depending on the needs of your sport. But I think coordination is vital to help you get the most from your body. Check to see how your coordination may be preventing you from reaching your peak.
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The current popularity of developing core strength may make you think it is scientifically proven. However, a number of top sports scientist have their doubts. I think they may prevent your body's in-built reflexes for balance and coordination functioning as they should.
How The Alexander Technique can improve your body concept
You may not have heard of The Alexander Technique, but it can help you learn a vital skill for your sporting development. If you need to be at your best for your sport you will need an accurate body concept of how it moves and works.
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