Most people nowadays have heard of Pilates or even tried it. It has justly earned its reputation as a life-changing form of exercise that really works. But what most people don’t know is that Pilates is not just something you do for an hour few times a week in the gym or a studio, it is a way of life. I know that sounds quite cliché but the only way to really change your body is to fully integrate the new way of moving and using your body into everyday life. So my blogs are here to help everyone, from Pilates beginners to more active practitioners, in achieving more awareness and that famous Pilates posture.

Spending a lot of time in front of the computer or desk can be detrimental to your posture. Finding a correct sitting position is key to minimising the damage to your spine from all the static sitting. First you have to make sure that you are not slumped to the back of the chair with your lower back round. This is very damaging to your lower back disks as they are in a position of stress and compression. Instead, make sure your lower back is supported in a nice gentle inward curve. A small cushion often does the job.

Then check your shoulders. Right-handed people tend to drop their right shoulder. This causes a lot of stress in the muscles on top of the shoulder, leading to neck pain and even headaches. Massages are not going to fix this problem, changing your posture will! The shoulders should be square, positioned at the same height. Check to see how your shoulders are from the mirror, you might be surprised to see one much lower than the other. Fix it!!
Do this exercise as often as you can: roll both shoulders all the way forward, up, then half way back and half way down. Hold! You might feel like the shoulders are hanging in your ears but they are probably now closer to their neutral position. Visualise a square running from shoulder to shoulder and from one hipbone to the other. Maintain this square as much as you can throughout the day, your body will thank you for all the effort!

*Susanna Foustok - aka Ms. Pilates -  is a fully qualified Pilates instructor in Dubai.