There are lots of types of exercise and movement strengthening programs, and most of them are done in upright positions. Here are some of the reasons I prefer a program that can be done while you lie on your back in bed.
1. Almost everyone can lie on their back in relative comfort.
2. Gravity works with you rather than against you. When you are upright, gravity is working to pull you down toward the earth. When you are on your back, you are already down. The force of gravity becomes your friend and assists you.
3. Your bed acts as resistance. It is soft enough to press into, yet firm enough to push back at you.
4. If you have an anatomical leg length difference (like 10% of us–one leg is truly shorter than the other) or if one half of your pelvis (one hip bone) is smaller than the other (like 1% of us) it doesn’t matter. When you are standing or sitting, these size differences can throw you off balance. They move the center of your body away from neutral. When you are on your back, these differences are taken “out of the equation.”
5. Lots of us are “vertically challenged.” We just plain feel better when we lie down. This is due to leg length differences, scoliosis (curvature of the spine) or weak back muscles.
6. If your back is weak and you have trouble staying upright, working from a flat position is easier.
7. It is easier to isolate the areas of your body that you need to strengthen when you are on your back.
8. Stretching from this position is also easier because gravity pulls on your arms and legs while your back and neck is in a neutral position.
9. You don’t need any additional exercise equipment.
It is so important to have a strong back side!
Everything from your knees to the base of your skull should be strong. When your back side is strong, you will feel better, your body will function better and you will be able to withstand the forces of gravity when you are upright. This is a good thing.
“Because You Deserve to Feel Better!”
