Aligned and Well: When You Hurt All Over

Biomechanics expert Katy Bowman, host of the Aligned and Well series—championing good health through realigning human muscles and posture for optimal functioning—here demonstrates simple exercises and advises reasonable changes to daily routines in hopes of alleviating a number of conditions, ranging from joint pain to poor circulation. As Bowman says, in our culture many of us sit all day; if we get any exercise, it is generally through jogging or intense bursts at the gym. But our bodies function better at every level when we realign our biomechanics, incorporating movement into our lives more frequently. Stipulating that there might be some initial discomfort as the body adapts, Bowman touts the simple calf stretch as the simplest and most important exercise for decreasing pain and boosting energy; it's also a good starting point to correct stooping. The double calf stretch promotes better circulation and restores function to the knees and lower back. A simple, effective, do-anywhere movement benefits the hands, while neck muscles can be relaxed by properly hanging one's head. Bowman also touts the benefits of several short walks a day and argues that some of the diseases we associate with old age are actually the result of many of the 650 muscles in our bodies going unused. DVD extras include a “Human Physics” lecture by Bowman and a printable exercise program. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)