THE SIDE LUNGE ON THE WUNDA CHAIR.
When I first did the lunges and some similar exercises on the Wunda Chair I was very impressed by how it automatically engaged me with the pelvic floor and my axis..
ALIGN THE BONES
Precisely align the bones. Geometry is sacred. Aligning the bones makes the movement effortless. The muscles and fascia follow the bones effortlessly and naturally. You will never injure yourself this way.
I have found it very effective to explore, moving, as if I were just made up of bones. It can put you better in touch with the skeletal system.
ALLOW THIS MIRACLE, THAT IS YOUR BODY, TO INFORM YOU.
Rather than acting like a dictator, open yourself up to listen to your body.
Experience sensation fully.
LINES OF ENERGY.
Imagining lines of energy helps the body understand where it should move to. Using your imagination is a powerful tool.
GIVE YOURSELF SPACE.
Personally I find that when people imagine they have a huge amount of space, their spine lengthens. Movements have more generosity and freedom.
EXPLORING IS FUN.
Being curious about how far the body will go is joyful.
BREATHE
Let the breath take you like a piece of music moves you. Practice breathing just a little ahead of the movement and then allow the breath to colour all of the movement.
There are many ways of breathing, all valid, and all serving a different purpose.
HAVE FUN FLOAT UP.
The springs are there to give you support. The equipment is designed to be your best friend. Go with it, play with the support and see what it will do for you.
EQUIPMENT SET UP.
One spring up and one down.
REPETITIONS
3-5 on each side.
Always do the same repetitions on each side. If you do three on the right do three on the left, even if you you feel the one side is stronger. It is a matter of balance.
SET YOUR INTENTION.
What is it you would like to learn about your body in this exercise today. It may be something as simple as, “Today I will not tense my shoulders” or “Today, my legs are perfectly aligned throughout. Or “Today I will feel plenty of space around me.”
STARTING POSITION.
Stand sideways to the chair. Take the bar down with the foot, let’s say this is the right foot, that is nearest to the chair. Mount the chair. Have the inside foot on the wooden part and the align the left (outside) foot along the bar towards the back corner. Place the right (inside) foot on the top of the chair at 45’ angle, the toes towards the front, furthest corner. The exact positioning of the feet will depend on the flexibility of your hips. Bring your axis, your spine (on the line of gravity) between your legs. Bring the triangle of your pelvis ( the front of the two iliac crests and the pubic bone) so that it is on one plane and facing directly front. You may need to release in your hips to achieve this.
The alignment of the knee on the seat is super important. The knee cap is focused directly over the space between the first and second toe. See my previous blog on leg alignment. https://jennycolebourne.com/good-leg-alignment-is-essential-for-everyone/
BREATHE IN.
Draw air into the back of the lungs.
BREATHE OUT.
Slowly and smoothly. Empty the lungs completely.
Feel energy rising from the toes, up through the pelvic floor, up through the spine and out through the top of the head. This energy draws you upwards. You are subtly aware of the left foot on the bar. It never leaves the bar. There is a contact with the bar that lightens as you go up.l
The right foot imprints down powerfully and the leg engages strongly. The pelvis remains facing front.
BREATHE IN
Smoothly, descend with a sense that the crown of the head continues to be drawn out into space.
NOTES.
It is nice to come to a balance, with the leg extended to the side, on the top of the chair at the end of each set. Make sure you straighten the knee.
ENJOY!!