Tongue Position and Head Posture for Exercise

Physical Therapist Margaret Martin demonstrates how to find your neutral head and tongue position for exercise and movement. This episode covers two important topics: the position of your tongue in your mouth and the position of your head when exercising in a supine position (lying on your back). -Chapters- 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Tongue Position When Exercising 4:37 Head Posture When Exercising Among the thousands of people I have had the opportunity to help over the years, not one ever said to me: “I fully aware of the tongue to the roof of the mouth tip - I know that allows the deep muscles attached to the base of my tongue to help stabilize my neck when lifting, pushing, pulling …” When our tongue is grounded in our upper palate, we stop using our superficial neck muscles and are then able to switch on our deep neck muscles. Placing your tongue into your upper palate (this often happens naturally when you swallow) provides an anchoring for your deep neck muscles. So if you have ever stopped an exercise program because of tension in your neck and shoulder muscles this may be because of the position of your tongue. The position of your head and tongue is to your neck what your diaphragm deep abdominals and pelvic floor muscles (covered of in earlier episodes) is to your lower spine. When you are on your back, you no longer have to fight gravity. You can optimize your head position with the forces of gravity essentially eliminated. I cover some important points on how to best align your head and how to gradually stretch your neck. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW for EXERCISE FOR BETTER BONES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://bit.ly/2QWC0PL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://bit.ly/2ygFcPA ----------------------------------------- FREE COURSE on OSTEOPOROSIS and EXERCISE ----------------------------------------- https://bit.ly/38MzUbG ----------------------------------------- BOOKS on AMAZON ----------------------------------------- Exercise for Better Bones - Osteoporosis Exercise Program (Book) https://amzn.to/38K37UI Yoga for Better Bones - Safe Yoga for Individuals with Osteoporosis (Book) https://amzn.to/2TZVk0L Strengthen Your Core (Book) https://amzn.to/36xDvc1 ------------------------------------------- VIDEO WORKOUTS and TRAINING ON AMAZON PRIME ------------------------------------------- Stronger Bones, Stronger Body - Osteoporosis Exercise Video Workout https://amzn.to/2vqWAji Balance and Fall Prevention Exercise Training Video https://amzn.to/2O437a6 Yin Yoga for Osteoporosis Video https://amzn.to/2U2MT4D Aerobics Exercises for Osteoporosis Video | Season 1 https://amzn.to/3bl4bzP Aerobics Exercises for Osteoporosis Video | Season 2 https://amzn.to/2RaNfUK ------------------------------------------- VIDEO WORKOUTS and TRAINING ON VIMEO ------------------------------------------- https://bit.ly/3aQTMMD ----------------------------------------- FOLLOW MARGARET ----------------------------------------- Website: https://melioguide.com Facebook:   / melioguide   Medical Disclaimer All the information, content, and material presented in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate Disclaimer The links in this description box are for my products. Some of the links include affiliate links and I receive a small commission when you make a purchase after you click the link.