Practical Posture: understanding the shape of your spine for wheelchair users class coming Aug. 20

You’ve probably been told more than once in your life to “sit up tall” or “stop slouching.” After paralyzing injury, simply sitting - let alone sitting up tall - can be quite challenging. But striving for better posture is not only better for our spine, but also our nerves, organs, movement efficiency and psyche. Well, we have good news for you as help is on the way. We are pleased to present the amazing Pilates teacher, Stephanie Comella, on Thurs., Aug. 20th at 5:30 p.m. PT for an hour long virtual class on this important topic that affects so many parts of our well being.

This free virtual presentation is part of “NorCal SCI’s Virtual is the New Reality Series” funded through a grant by the Reeve Foundation and you must register in advance to attend by clicking HERE. Once you register, you will immediately receive a confirmation e-mail from us which you should keep for access information to the virtual event.

In this class, you’ll learn a bit about spinal anatomy and optimal alignments. Stephanie will also break down some of the more common postures specific to individuals with spinal cord injury - what they are and why they happen. With this understanding of the underlying cause, we can better find solutions unique to each individual: Stephanie will share a few strategies to change the position of your body to facilitate better posture and you will experience several basic exercises to improve posture. This class is part learning/lecture and part movement experience.

Stephanie has been working with SCI athletes for almost 10 years, using various movement modalities in her tenure. She has been working with the Pilates method for the last five years and has found this method resonates best with her students’ unique physical and emotional challenges after SCI.