Why do we need Happy Hips?
And why is starting with the pelvis integral to the approach I use, based on the Biomechanics Education model?
When I talk about “Happy Hips” it's a catchy way of talking about the pelvic alignment. The pelvis is centrally located in the body and when it moves, other areas have to adjust to accommodate it.
Therefore when correcting imbalances in the pelvis, this can sometimes have effects further up and down then chain!
As dancers of Raqs Sharqi, Belly Dance or Fusion inspired by MENAHT dances, whilst we use our whole bodies to express ourselves, there is a strong focus on movements in the pelvis. Imagine, then, if you have some pelvic issues already causing problems in the shoulders or knees and then add a whole bunch of repetitive movements with your hips in different directions and with varying intensities and speeds…. It might not be ideal for that sore shoulder or twingy knee!
Sometimes we think our muscles are “tight” but actually they are in “spasm” - not necessarily something you can feel - it basically means they are not functioning correctly and can be “released” using Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) - more on that here.
We talk a lot about how lots of sitting isn’t great for the body - really it’s that staying in one position for a long time isn’t ideal - but using the sitting example - the hip extensors (hamstring and glutes) may become “stuck long” and the hip flexors are “stuck short” potentially leading to achey hips and a tender low back. We can use METs to help correct this, along with targeted strengthening exercises, which not only help to further “release” the muscles in spasm whilst also building strength in their new position.
It's unlikely you’ll achieve exact symmetry in the body - life is not symmetrical! However, if there are big asymmetrical imbalances in the pelvis (one hip flexor is in spasm, one glute is stronger than the other etc…) this can also affect things further up and down the chain. Think about that pulling sensation in your knees, for example, which gets worse when you try to shimmy on top of this!
This is why I’m so passionate about helping people build a deeper connection with their bodies in order to discover imbalances and manage or correct them.
On 10th January I’m launching the Happy Hips Toolbox - 7 days of focussed practice to help you liberate your hips whilst building a solid foundation for your hipwork and shimmies in dance.
At the end of the week you are going to come away feeling more open, relaxed, connected and stronger in the hips and pelvis along with the momentum to continue your personal practice for 2022 and beyond!
It’s going to be totally free to join and there will be the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes!
There’s going to be no Facebook group to join (who needs another FB group?!) - you’ll have access to me and the rest of the group via the special app I give my clients, which will keep you on track and motivated throughout the 7 days.
I’ll also be doing live zoom sessions throughout the week where you can ask as many questions as you want - these will be available to watch after in case you can’t make the live time.
Isn’t that an inspiring way to start the year?
Register your interest now by filling in the form here.