Postural Analysis: Mini Self-Assessment
Last time I wrote about the benefits of postural assessment as a benchmark for progress. If you haven’t yet done one with me, you can try a mini-assessment on yourself.
To learn more about your postural habits, give yourself a mini-assessment. Here are a couple things things to try:
Take a look at your shoes. Notice the soles of a pair of shoes you wear often. Are they worn down more on one side or the other? How does this compare to other pairs that are more or less comfortable? What about your dance shoes? If you see a pattern, try to correct your foot alignment while doing your regular activities. Think about wearing down the soles evenly instead of heavily to one side.
Do a hip check. Find the two front bony parts of your pelvis (called the anterior superior iliac spines or ASIS) with your index fingers. When you have them, look in a mirror and notice if your fingers are level. You can also try this while seated, with feet flat on the floor, to see if anything changes. Whenever you're sitting in a chair, notice your preferred weight distribution. Do you always cross your legs one way or lean to one side? Think of the ASIS as marbles on a tray. Don't let them slide off! Keep it centered.