Good Job Triceps

 

Good Job Triceps!

The body is so amazing. I adore its ability to hold and transfer energy having it be so graceful. Then you see it being so rigid and sputtery unsure of its next move.

I believe the body sputters for two reasons. First, it is trying to learn a new neuro pathway of a skill. From piano to learning how to do a pivotal lunge requires great demand of control for desired length and depth. The key is the ability to safely return to start to repeat the action. This is an area I am very passionate about, and I will control myself not to go off topic.

The second reason is that of pain or the fear of pain. We are in constant battle against gravity trying to take us down on every move. Our bodies work hard trying not to do so from the three arches in our feet to the three vestibular canals in our ears. Any threat to its safety generating pain triggers the fight, flight or freeze response. We are focusing on the freeze response.

We hear a sound. FREEZE! What was that?

OUCH! We stop, freeze, and hug the part of the body that hurts with our hands.

There is the big clue. The hugging part. The body is so intelligent it gives itself a hug when it hurts to feel safe and protected.

Imagine we enter a situation where there is a chance of pain. We go into a state of high alert. Muscles become stiff and rigid protecting itself now unsure how to properly function. The body is trying to learn a new neuro pathway to navigate around pain. It may not be efficient as the body is lazy and likes the path of least resistance. The key is the body is trying to find safety.

It’s not much different on an emotional level. We enter a place and witness chaos. We stop moving, becoming over sensitized and unsure of what and where to go. It is not safe. We need to feel safe. Safety relaxes us giving us room to heal and explore.

I help people who suffer with pain. Pain robs play from their lives. Playing golf, tennis, dance to playing with the kids or pets. Entering these sessions require a great amount of love and compassion. The exercises need to feel safe. To achieve this, I will bring out so many tools such as a band or a ball to assist the desired outcome. One client calls them “cheats.” I call it “setting up for success.” We need one good rep before we find the second. It is slow.

I also direct my encouragements to specific parts of the body doing the work. I know it sounds silly, but it works! Here are some examples:

“It’s okay left foot. Righty is hogging up stage time.”

“Hip, I understand your job is trying to keep the body from falling. We are bringing some friends on board to help you.”

“Little muscles - I know your tired. Big muscles are on their way!”

“Good job Triceps! You kept the elbows straight!” or “Way to go Lats - you allowed the elbows to straighten out!” Take your pick.

I believe talking to the body strengthens the relationship between the client’s mind, body, and spirit. It acknowledges the client is seen as whole and to me that brings the feeling of safety. Little hugs of encouragement every step of the way begins to relax the body allowing it to regain the fluidity it has to offer. Rebuilding confidence lessens fear of pain and bringing one closer to safety.

Feeling safe opens curiosity and curiosity opens the door for play.

Good Job Triceps!