Spinal viability is inexorably linked to bodily wellness. Actions and lifestyle greatly contribute to spinal health. Nerve impulses which affect the entire body can be negatively impacted by when spinal integrity is compromised. Activity, properly executed, will promote health of the spine. Specifically, the six directions of the spine must receive attention.
Forward bending is a regularly used activity. Engaging the forward bend reinforces the body’s capacity to stabilize when reaching up and back. One can bend from the waist (crunches) or the hips (sit-ups). Fitness activities focus on enhancing the strength / aesthetics of the core / abdominal area. When low back / hamstring flexibility are adequate, abdominal / core area is developed from performing full forward bends.
The societal trend towards sitting, looking at screens, and dismissing adequate levels of activity exerts a diminishing effect on spinal extension. The major extensor muscles weaken and the antagonist muscles shorten. Gravity can exacerbate the weakening / shorten phase. However, when activity that resists gravity acts to stimulate those very muscles in question, spinal extension is stimulated and (re)vitalized.
Lateral flexion is a motion that is typical coupled with other spinal movements (i.e. leaning to the side while bending forward or leaning to the side while leaning backward). The muscles involved are important for spinal stabilization. In the absence of lateral flexion (side bending movement) the spine can become stiff. These movement pattern is not regularly addressed on a daily basis. Thus, this movement must be worked into an individual’s fitness regimen.
Spinal Rotation (Twisting) is also a movement that receives little attention. People twist to a small degree to do activities in the office, the plant, or on the outside. Yet, these ‘daily movements’ rarely address the full ranges of an individual’s spinal rotation. This movement is performed in isolation or in combination. The movement can cause of exacerbate musculo-skeletal issues if the individual is not in basic condition.
These basic movements are integral to the health of the spine. Regular activity (exercise) is what helps in the maintenance of these basic movements. Spinal Flexion. Spinal Extension. Lateral Extension. Spinal Rotation. The flexibility and viability of the spine will decrease. Perform them on a regular basis.
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 