So just what is a body type? Human body types, that is. In one sense, body types are defined by the certain ways our muscles, joints, and bones take "shape". The way they do or do not balance. Posture is another word we could and do use. Static postural alignment is described by the positions of the various joints and body segments (Florence Peterson Kendall, P.T. F.A.P.T.A., Muscles, Testing, and Function).
Ms Peterson goes on to say, as in any test, there is a standard when evaluating alignment in the body. The ideal alignment we go by has sound scientific principles; it involves a minimal amount of stress and strain, and is conducive to maximal efficiency of the body. Alignment of the body affects how our body functions inside and out. Example: Have you ever considered how you stand or sit affects your body's organs? Think about it, if you are slumping over, you are crunching into your organs. So, no slumping today. Your organs are screaming to function properly.
We will be looking at the specific details of the different body types. Too, we will be discussing what to look for when finding a qualified person to give you a body assessment. But first, I want us to take a gander at the inside before we look at the outside.
WHAT'S IN A BODY?
Bones. Muscles. Joints. Organs. What do they have to do with our posture? Without them, our posture would be on the floor. Imagine, a puddle of flesh. Ugh.
Think about it though, without our bones, joints, muscles we would not even be able to stand, sit or run. One without the other would be a very untidy mess, don't you think?
BONES:
Without the bones, we would have no structure to the body. Bones provide support. Have you ever considered that your ribs have purpose? They are a cage of protection: the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen. Think of the pelvis: it protects the bladder, intestines, and female organs. Are you out of your slump yet?
JOINTS:
Without the joints, we would not have the freedom of functional movement. Notice I said functional. Then some of you might find it entertaining to be able to move in all range of motions including spinning your heads around, etc. Personally, I am thankful we were not designed for such entertainment.
MUSCLES:
Without the muscles, we would certainly not have the flexibility we need to create everyday activities. There are three different types of muscles. Skeletal. Smooth/Involuntary. Cardiac. Have you ever thought about muscles being involuntary? When you sit perfectly still, muscles throughout your body are constantly moving. Hummmm. They help your heart to beat, they aid your blood vessels in regulating the pressure and flow of blood through your body. What an amazing body we have!
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Too, without our brain and nervous system, our muscles would be at a total loss. Muscles are coordinated and controlled by them. Voluntary muscles are regulated by the cerebral motor cortex and the cerebellum, while the involuntary muscles are told what to do by the deeper parts of the brain and the brain stem.
SKIN:
And we do need the largest organ, the skin. Without it, well we would for sure be naked to the core and probably pretty darn ugly.
XTRA INFO: BONES AWAY
Our bones were developing before we ever graced this world. And while we were born with about 300 bones, adults evolve into about 206 bones, depending on how many we swallowed recently. But isn't that backwards? Actually, as we grow certain bones begin to fuse together, like the sacrum. And bones are not weighty. Yet, amazingly they are strong enough to carry the load we place on them. The largest bone is the femur, the smallest is in the ear.
X-XTRA INFO: DO I HAVE MUSCLE OR WHAT?
I have more than 650 muscles, but then so do you. Wow, shouldn't I feel stronger then?
Oh, that is not the deal. Hummmm. Imagine trying to keep them all in shape. Now that, folks, is a work-out. Too, they weigh in at about half of our body weight. So that's why we weigh so much? Great excuse. NOT!
COMING UP NEXT: Part Three, The Specific Body Types
Enjoy
