In the late 1950's and 60's, we were taught that good posture was very important. Good posture, 50's style, required that we stand up straight, suck in our guts, throw our shoulders back, tuck in our tailbones, lift our chins and look proud. It was very military. Then came the 1960's and 70's when everything in American culture changed, even tummy trends. Suddenly, the common abdominal wisdom became: Let it all hang out. We were told in meditation classes and consciousness raising circles to relax our bellies, throw away the girdles, let go.
Oops. Fast forward to the 21st century. Yoga and Pilates teachers are everywhere. Classes emphasize what is now called 'core strength.' That means stand up straight, suck in your gut, throw your shoulders back, tuck in your tailbone, lift your chin and look proud.
What goes around comes around.
9 comments:
Cool overlay of pics. Not sure how you did that!?
I'm convinced that core strength is the answer to so many of the health issues we face. Will 30 sit-ups a day suffice? I'm hoping so, because that's just about all I'm signed on for.
I've never done a crunch or a sit up !
but I do love stretching and tai chi.
and walking around taking pix.
well. i ran this morning... does that count? it cleared my head...made me feel alive and fresh. and good! and red faced, rather! love your wise writings! xxx janelle
I can't wait 'til enthusiasm for 'Rubenesque' women comes back around. Then I can get my own back on Kate Moss and Lily Cole...
Really? In my yoga class, we are all focusing on our "floor" strength--a bit lower than the core . . .
My ideas around good health have to do with balance and having fun. It's good to use all the muscles, otherwise they just shrivel up and stop working. But heavy duty workouts don't make any sense to me - unless they make the person who is working out feel good.
I'm like Ched - get outside, walk around a lot, take pics, stretch. I love T'ai Chi though I haven't taken a class in years.
'Floor' strength is definitely important for so many reasons, physical as well as energetic, and 'core strength' - can't hurt anyone, can it?
I think it's funny that we follow trends and styles, even when it comes to posture. We are such a silly species.
adorable humans all
even with guts
which defy all sucking
the inset pics don't show for me
so odd cropping is the theme
love you so much
from the finally summer sweltering
Midwest where even with the a/c set at 80, the windows are covered with humid fog
great selection of pics to accompany the contemplating of the belly
Interesting pano shot!
Meditation does teach to soften the stomach, but we're also told to sit up straight, etc. So there's still a remnant of core strength involved there....
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