This is where I most definitely have to stress that I am not a doctor and hint that you should consult a doctor before beginning a fitness regimen--not that I ever do. Four years ago, the NHS nurse told me I was too fat, so I'm taking that as blanket permission to do whatever for the next ten years.
And my very latest enthusiasm is the idea of growing taller because--LO!--it turns out that at least two people have grown taller by decompressing their spines. Behold.
I don't really mind being only 5'2"--the attic of the Historical House has really low ceilings, for one thing. But I would really like to strengthen and lengthen my spine, especially my neck. My head is really heavy, in part because of my super-thick hair, and I think uneasily about 5'2" Crystal Gayle, who had 5'2" hair which gave her neck aches.
Someone once told me that the Alexander Technique can make you taller, but I never really seriously thought about the possibility until Pilates class today. I am sure many people would love to add two inches to their height, or stretch out their backs, and so this post.
At the moment, I am gripped by desire for an inversion table, so that I can hang upside down like a bat. I am sure my spine would enjoy it quite a lot.
Ah, the good old Alexander Technique. A couple of my college theatre professors were AT certified and while I can't say I gained any height from their movement classes, I did spent a lot of quality time releasing tension in my neck and lying on the floor thinking about breathing (also known as "Constructive Rest"). So it is relaxing, at least.
ReplyDeleteI hear there's some kind of new yoga trend where you do yoga poses/stretches while hanging from the ceiling on lengths of fabric: http://antigravityfitness.com/AntiGravityAerialYogaTechnique. A former co-worker told me it worked wonders on his back and he got taller! Surely the integrity of the Historical House would not be ruined by nailing a couple of strips of fabric to the ceiling somewhere? (I kid, I kid ;) )
That would be so awesome, but it cannot be.
ReplyDeleteI've been practising AT for 8 years now (not as a training course but rather as self-help with teachers' assistance) and recommend it to everyone. I'm not sure if it will unravel your spine towards your dream hight (I suppose I might be taller but it also might be that I don't slouch like I did before) but at least it will prevent back pain. A few minutes of Constructive Rest every day can help. Sure, Pilates and Feldenkrais is OK, too!
ReplyDeleteThis is fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5qGOCN02sE
*height, typing error
ReplyDelete