Articles About Kim Mcneil


  • Take a Load Off, Or Should You?
    Take a Load Off, Or Should You?

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    We often shy away from weight bearing exercise - that is, applying an opposing force that muscles must strain against - because, let’s face it, they’re difficult. Who wants to spend time in plank without some heavy encouragement? It pays to change our relationship with load bearing exercise however, as it can play an important role in maintaining the health of our bones.
  • When depression is a good thing: The right position for your shoulders
    When depression is a good thing: The right position for your shoulders

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    One of the few times depression is a good thing is when we're talking about the shoulder blades. Unfortunately, most people aren't in the habit of having depressed shoulders.  In fact, it's quite the opposite. Our tendacy is to slouch and lift the shoulder to the ears throughout the day.  These bad habits can be especially prevalent during times of stress and often lead to tension and pain in the neck and upper back.
  • Under Pressure: Poor posture puts more pressure on your spine
    Under Pressure: Poor posture puts more pressure on your spine

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    We’re under pressure. Nothing can be truer when it comes to your spine. It’s because of simple physics: the pressure or load on your back increases as you move away from a neutral posture. Here are the numbers: Standing straight puts 100mm of pressure on the intervertebral discs of your spine; add a forward bend while flexing or rounding your back and you’ve more than double the pressure, or 220mm. Can you see now why reaching your toes in Uttanasana or any standing forward bend before you’re ready isn’t worth the potential harm to your back?
  • One reason you may suffer from headaches: Forward Head Syndrome
    One reason you may suffer from headaches: Forward Head Syndrome

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    Are headaches and pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and lower back all part of your new "normal"?  You could be suffering from Forward Head Syndrome (FHS), a common condition suffered by many of us Westerners. Two of the main causes of FHS are poor posture coupled with extended hours sitting at a desk.
  • Your Pecs: Avoid the Slump
    Your Pecs: Avoid the Slump

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    If you have spent considerable time at the gym, you have probably witnessed the dreaded 'rounded shoulder inwardly rotated arm' position on one of your muscled gym mates. Or maybe you have seen it in yourself: a slouched shoulder slumping that no bit of correcting seems to help long term. Like the person at the gym, maybe you need to start taking better care of your chest.  Doing so will not only improve your posture but also set you up for success in many yoga poses that require flexible chest muscles.
  • Care for Your Feet
    Care for Your Feet

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    Our feet take a daily pounding from the shoes we wear, the way we walk, the activities we enjoy (e.g., running), or simply from inactivity.  Most of us underestimate the effects tired, tight, misaligned, and inflexible feet, ankles, and toes can have on the rest of us. Arch, hip, and back pain are only some of the side effects of neglected feet.  Those with tight leg muscles such as the calves and hamstrings might want to give some TLC to their tootsies too if they want to improve their flexibility.