Help Your Back Feel Better With Sara Meeks Exercises!

Almost 4 years ago I took a two day continuing education class with Sara Meeks, PT. I was extremely impressed with her message; so much so that I started my Posture Perfect! exercise classes that very same year.

Sara Meeks, PT has been a physical therapist for over 50 years. She has also been a certified yoga instructor for the past 30. Her experience in therapy and movement has given her a unique perspective of the workings of the human body.

She emphasized three major ideas in her continuing education classes. The first was exercise safety. Sara has a favorite quote that has become one of mine as well. She says "just because it feels good doesn't mean that it is necessarily good for you."

She pointed out that not all exercises are safe for all people. Even yoga, in its traditional form, is not recommended for people with osteopenia, osteoporosis or some back problems. As you get older, exercise safety becomes your first priority.

Second, she emphasized the importance of taking stress off of the spine to help reduce the incidence of back pain and spinal fracture. Prolonged sitting and poor standing and sitting posture increase the compression on your spine leading to pain and increased fracture risk.

Finally, she discussed the many health benefits that come from improving your standing and sitting posture as well as incorporating an exercise sequence targeted to safe spinal strengthening.

The majority of our class focused on a simple series of exercises that help improve your posture. Her exercise sequence has been shown clinically to reduce back pain, increase bone health, improve back muscle strength and reduce the risk of spinal fractures. She says that better posture equals less pain.

So for a stronger, healthier back and better posture, I recommend that everyone, exercise novice to world class athlete, incorporate her exercises into your life. You can come to one of our Posture Perfect! classes or buy her book, Walk Tall!, and learn them for yourself.