Tight Ribs & Back
WHAT IS CAUSING TIGHTNESS IN MY UPPER BACK AND ARMS?
Muscles get tight when they are either under used or being used in an incorrect way. When muscles are like this they are called hypertonic.
Hypertonic muscles lead to tightness, restricted movement, reduced strength and balance and put pressure on organs inside the body.
This issue affects everyone as modern living doesn’t require us to use our muscles correctly. Because we don’t move the way we evolved to, and we have these terrible body positions at work, we inevitably take those bad positions to the gym or our exercise sessions.
This is why you still feel tight despite stretching before/after running and cycling.
Hypertonic muscles can also occur from inactivity, say after recovering from an Injury or holding an unnatural position for too long, which describes every desk job and most workout routines.
Even those with joint hypermobility get hypertonic muscles as they tighten to stabilise the overly mobile area.
WHY IS BEING TOO TIGHT A PROBLEM?
Tight muscles are a problem for all of us but especially for the men that come to the studio, mainly those that workout at gyms and have hobbies like cycling (where you sit hunched at a desk all day and then hunch in the same position as you cycle).
Those tight muscles pull on the body and make movement harder and prevent the core stabilising muscles from working fully to protect the joints, muscles pulling tightly around joints can pull the bones closer and wear out joints more quickly.
As well as joint issues tight muscles cause problems elsewhere in the body.
Tight muscles can also increase blood pressure and reduce the flow of fluids around our body along with restricting your breathing.
Pilates is a great tonic for tightness. Regularly practicing in classes and taking the lessons learnt into the real world will help you manage your tightness and help you feel better every day!
“Leith Pilates is a very special place. From the library of movement books in the waiting area, to the annual Pilates photo competition, Andy and Ruth go above and beyond to make Pilates accessible and fun for everyone. There is a lovely feeling of community and comradery every time you come into the studio.
The classes here are welcoming, informative and challenging (in a good way!). The teachers clearly spend a lot of time thinking about how to address the needs of everyone in the room. Pilates strengthens and moves all parts of the body, so it is a great activity regardless of your lifestyle or hobbies. The teachers here give lots of personal attention and advice to make sure everyone feels the benefits.
One of the best parts of joining Leith Pilates has been learning from Andy and the other teachers how to apply Pilates principles to other parts of my life. Whether I’m sitting in my office or hiking in the hills, I’ve gained a better understanding of how to prevent injury through improved alignment and body awareness”