The Rancan Sisters Article:

Lose 3 Kilos by Standing Tall!

By: The Rancan Sisters

All the effort that goes into working out to create your ultimate body can go unnoticed if you're not standing up straight!

Classic 'before' and 'after' photos used by a lot of weight loss companies often showcase bad posture images to indicate weight loss. Try it yourself! In a full length mirror slump your shoulders forward, let everything hang out, relax your abdominal muscles, take a good look - you look heavier, frumpy and limp. After, try standing tall - you won't believe the difference in how you look and feel!

Standing up tall is one of the best ways to make you feel more confident and is actually one of the most basic Pilates postures that can be incorporated into the everyday.

Try it now - in bare feet:

• Start with both feet parallel, shoulder width apart, slight bend in both knees
• Tuck your tail bone towards the floor and pull your navel into your spine
• Lengthen the space between both hip bones to last rib - your stomach should be braced - then imagine a piece of string attached to your chest being pulled up towards the sky
• Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together being careful not to let the rib cage 'pop out'.

Check your posture now - you and others will notice the extreme difference. It can take up to 3 kilos off your frame just by standing correctly.

The aim of this Pilates posture is to achieve a soft 'S' curve within the spine. A collapsed thoracic spine (the upper back tilting forward) will restrict the amount of lung capacity and oxygen you can deliver to muscles during everyday activity and exercise. Lift up your chest when you are running or walking for extra oxygen and less stress on the back, hips and knees.

It's all about body alignment. Once your back is out of alignment it will present a myriad of structural problems, you'll see an increase in injuries to neck, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.

Note: If you have any back pain or concerns we recommend you see your Doctor/ Physiotherapist/Osteo/Chiropractor.

The Rancan Sisters of 'Good Morning Australia' fame are back with a fresh approach to keeping fit! Australia's most famous fitness family from the 1980s and 1990s have re-emerged from stints in LA and are now offering the most up-to-date knowledge on the new holistic direction in fitness.
www.rancansistersfitness.com.au

Adele and Lisa Rancan have shared some great tips, information and ideas on fitness, exercise, weight management, healthy eating and more with Mum Zone readers!

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