Mat Matters, Episode 56: Making a Strap Shoulder Girdle

I owe ALL of the credit for today's video to Ame Wren, a Boston-based teacher who I've been lucky enough to learn from on two separate occasions now. As I say in the video, she is a teacher you should know (seriously--amazing). 

That being said, I LOVE this tool. It's an incredible way to get instant feedback about slouching, rounding, collapsing, and losing integration in your shoulders as you move (especially when moving through chaturanga). 

If you're a teacher, I urge you to try this so that you can use it with private clients or students whose shoulders are winging out in chaturanga (or schlumping forward in updog, or rounding forward in tadasana...you get the idea).

 If you're someone who struggles with your posture, or with back/shoulder pain from sitting at a desk or working at a computer all day, I encourage you to try it out and see what you can learn about yourself + your body. 

Either way, watch the vid and let me know what you think! Two quick notes:

1. Obviously, you need a strap to make the "Strap Shoulder Girdle." If you don't have a strap, a super long belt *might* work, or you could use a long sash from a robe or a coat or something...but maybe just get a strap? It's a great investment ;) 
   
   
2. I was dumb and used a black strap while wearing a black shirt for this video. I'm sorry. The thought that the strap wouldn't stand out against my outfit didn't even cross my mind :/ I guess that's why I need a producer? Where is Sayde when I need her? Anyways, apologies that the strap is not more visible. #sigh

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Thanks for tuning in!