Why Alignment is Everything

Neutral Spinal Alignment. In this photo, you can see four different alignments of the human body, yet only one is aligned neutrally, i.e., the way nature designed. The first image (A) represents this ideal alignment, while the other three show typical mis-alignments: (B) Kyphotic-lordotic, (C) Flat Back Posture, and (D) Sway-Back posture. Which of these posture best describes your own alignment? Knowing the answer to this can change your body, and your life. The implications alignment has on health and physiology are staggering, so much so, I find myself flabbergasted almost daily that everyone doesn't know this.

The difference between movement in alignment and movement out of alignment is like the difference between sleeping in a comfortable position and sleeping awkwardly to awake with a crick in your neck. The really remarkable thing is that most Yoga, Personal Training and general fitness activity out there (except Iyengar & Anusara styles of Yoga, Pilates, and speckles of intelligent teachings here and there) are nearly oblivious to the alignment of the body and spine during exercise.

This changes everything, and is not an exaggeration. When the human spinal column is neutral (figure A) the benefits of a workout are innumerable.

When the spine is misaligned (figures B-D), injury is much more likely. This can even effect all the joints, from ankles to shoulders and everything in between. Spinal alignment directly influences breathing capacity and function, which in turn influences brain and metabolic activity. We know in Yoga the breath is everything, and since the breath depends on spinal alignment, we can deduce that alignment is also everything. The breath and alignment are one. 

The good news is that alignment awareness is growing.

Foot-Alignment (the Foundation of Support for the Spine)

Consider this image regarding the alignment of the feet, which are the ground support for the whole body. A fun, challenging and incredibly simple action that will literally change your life is to look at the posture of your feet. The Runner's world is becoming more aware of the importance of alignment with regards to the foot. This is why "Barefoot Running" has become a movement. It supports alignment, or as they would call it, a "neutral gait." Basically, it translates into the alignment of the feet with one another and their natural arch structures (which in turn effects the alignment of the spine and entire rest of the body).

When the human body walks, and especially runs, the middle toe, that's the 3rd toe, of each foot need be parallel with the other, both pointing directly forward. In this position, the natural arches of the foot are poised to work and engage properly, which is the literal foundation for the body's core strength: The core begins at the feet! As these arches engage, so too do the glutes and the rest of the core, bringing proper support to the entire body! It all depends on the foundation!!!

Most people walk with their toes pointing out, and some walk with the toes pointing in, but both are out of balance and will effect the alignment of everything above them. As your first step (pun intended) on your path to alignment, start noticing the direction your toes point, and try and keep your middle toes parallel while you move or  stand. 

While you do this, actively engage your big toes inward, reaching toward one another while the pinkie toes reach in the opposite direction. Do this while placing most of your weight in your heels as this fully engages the three arches of the feet, bringing balance on the four corners of each foot. This is a profound and simple action to take in correcting misalignment in the body. 

Feel free to post comments and share the wonder in the simplicity of this truth! :)

To your Alignment, a.k.a., Your Greatest Potential