I can run six marathons in six days in the Arabian Desert, and cycle thousands of kilometres along the ancient Silk Road. But after one evening of cooking for my guests at home, my back is incredibly sore.
Good posture is a critical aspect of well-being. Back and neck pains can be reduced if we learn how to stand tall, sit properly in front of the computer, and go about our everyday movements with the proper posture.
Alas, bad habits coupled with weak core muscles make us arch our back subconsciously, tilt our pelvis, roll our shoulders, and hold our head too far forward.
Inevitably, we start to feel pain and get chronic muscle strain. Sadly, in the long run, the wear and tear on our joints leads to arthritis.
Thanks to running, my posture while standing is good. But it is poor when I cook. To correct it, I invited Anna Serafinas, a former professional ballerina, to instruct me in my kitchen.
Serafinas is co-director of Flex Studio, a Pilates, yoga and fitness centre in Wong Chuk Hang.
She guides her clients towards "optimum mobility and strength". It is something she calls "intelligent movement", the ability to be in control of your body, whether you are doing strengthening exercises, playing with a newborn, or cooking.
