Treasure Hunt Week #7 (August 19, 2008)

By Lesley Tinker on Jul 17 2008 - 7:56pm

Welcome to week #7 of the NiaDivas' Summer Treasure Hunt to find the magical you.

But first...Week #6's treasure was the SPINE. How'd you do? Experiences to share? Comments welcome.

Now...Onward to Week #7.

Your Body's Treasure: Clue #7

By design I am a ball and socket joint. My joint is meant to float freely and not bear weight. I am shallow in design so you can move your arms in all directions to express yourself. I am meant to feel free and unrestrictive. When the bone within me hangs vertically, I am relaxed. I lovingly help you express your desires, boundries and emotions by linking the core of your body to your expressive arms and hands.

I Am Energized By...

Changing Direction of Your Palms. By practicing palm directions, you will keep your shoulder joint and shoulder girdle open so you can breathe more fully and get more power from your arms.

To change palm directions: With your arms lengthened, consciously change palm directions and notice which direction feels best to your shoulder joint. Palms up? Palms down? What if your arm is above your head or behind your body? Begin to move your arms freely, bending and extending them while also trying different palm directions. Your hands like paddles can sculpt thorugh the air. Palms facing up open the shoulder joint provides more room to lift your arms above your head. Palms facing down closes the joint, giving you more stability..

Additional Nia moves to energize this joint include: Elbow strikes, punches, blocks and chops.

In Every Day Life...

Become aware of using palm directions. As you move your arms throughout the day, become aware of your palm directions. Notice what it feels like to reach high for something, opening from your arm pit. As you type on our computer, allow your upper arm bone to hang by your side, decreasing any tension in you shoulder joint.

We wish you a pleasant week of continuing self-discovery and finding the gems of your body! Last week coming up!

Nia classes resume in two weeks!

Until next week,
Nia Divas Lesley Tinker and Jill Pagano
Certified Nia Instructors
Inspirational Fitness for an Extraordinary You