Breaking Through Movement ceilings

A yoga participant asked a fantastic question this week while we were doing abdominal strengthening movements – what’s the best way to get-up? (out of bed/off the floor). 
 

I was sharing about patients when I worked with PT’s in the hospital…Some folks would pop up sit-up style, others rolled to their sides and used bed rails, and some needed hands-on assistance.
 

The answer to which is the best way?…drumroll please – IT DEPENDS, I know, very anticlimactic non-click-bate-(ish).
 

In a hospital setting, if you’ve just had cesarean surgery, chances are you’re not doing a full roll-up Pilates style; the same is true for hernia repair, back surgery, and other procedures. 
 

If it’s you on an average day sitting up out of bed, off the couch, or from the floor after playing in your granddaughter’s pillow-fort (the most fun ever), you have options; at least, that’s the goal… 
 

There’s no “best way”, rather, you get to be your own N-of-1 experiment to figure out what works for your unique body. 
 

Training in a wide variety of movement modalities/certifications (most recently one that included pain-science & accessibility), I’ve come to the realization that YOU, my beautiful friend, are most qualified to discern YOUR best way. 
 

Social media often makes movement a zero sum game…move THIS WAY ✅, NOT THAT ❌.
 

In truth, ways you access INDEPENDENT FUNCTIONAL LIVING through movement (which is what we all want), needs to be resourced by you & through you…. 

If it feels okay sitting straight up, swinging your legs over your bed – do that. 
 

Feels better rolling to your side? Do that.

One things clear, going from horizontal (laying down) to vertical (up-right) is a valuable skill, AND, being strong helps!

YES, strength-training can make getting up off the floor/out of bed easier!

“Movement "glass ceilings" are no longer constraining when you inhabit a gymnasium designed for YOU"

– Mindful Movement with Becky