#LNF Mind-Body Connection in Managing Performance Pain I remember one aerialist telling me, over a cup of coffee backstage, that the moment she stopped seeing her body as a machine and started treating it as a partner, her chronic back pain shifted. For circus performers, the mental and emotional connection to physical discomfort can’t be…
Back in my early twenties, I thought my body was invincible. I’d watch gymnasts pull off mind-bending routines and then head to the gym to try a few “easy” backbends myself. Spoiler: they weren’t easy, and my spine made sure I knew it. Over the years, I’ve learned that while gymnastics can be an incredible…
If you’ve ever stood backstage at a ballet recital, you’ve probably noticed the striking posture of the dancers — lifted chests, elongated spines, and an elegance that seems almost sculpted. As someone who once tried ballet classes in my early twenties (and learned very quickly that my hips were not as flexible as I thought),…
If you’ve ever caught yourself telling a teenager to “stand up straight” or “stop slouching,” you’re not alone. I’ve done it plenty of times, sometimes because I was genuinely concerned, and other times because I could see a little of my own teenage slouch in them. Back then, I had no clue how much that…
If you’ve ever felt your back tighten up after a long day at the desk or during a tough workout, you’re not alone. For years, I dealt with stiffness that seemed to creep in no matter how active I tried to be. One thing that truly changed the game for me was discovering intercostal breathing….
Ever tried to twist and reach for something on the top shelf and suddenly felt a tight pull along your side or spine? Yeah, me too—and let’s just say I now think twice before twisting like I’m auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. What I discovered along the way is something most people overlook: how lateral…
If there’s one thing that’s kept my back sane through long workdays, gym sessions, and an old sports injury that just won’t let go, it’s foam rolling. But let me tell you—rolling the thoracic spine is not just grabbing a roller and going to town on your upper back. I learned the hard way that…
After dealing with nagging lower back pain for years, I stumbled on something that surprisingly helped — a peanut ball. Yeah, sounds like a weird fitness gadget, but trust me, it turned out to be a game-changer for my piriformis muscle. If you’ve ever felt that deep ache in your glutes that creeps down into…
If you’ve been stuck in that frustrating loop of lower back pain that flares up after sitting too long or standing in one spot for hours, I get it. I used to think it was just “getting older” or “poor posture” — until I started paying attention to one of the tightest, most ignored muscle…