I talk a lot about APT and PPT in my posts and classes, so I thought I’d do a quick rundown on what I mean by that.

(Images taken from my Instagram post.)

A posterior pelvic tilt is when the front of the pelvis is drawing upwards, and the back downwards. If you squeeze your bum muscles and your abs at the same time, you will naturally go into a PPT.
If you’ve ever done cat/cow in a yoga class, in the cat pose, your pelvis is in a PPT. Another way to try it is to lay on your back and press the lower back against the floor.

IS IT A PROBLEM?

The issue is when the pelvis stays in this position chronically, because of overly tight hamstrings, glutes and ab muscles, relative to weaker hip flexors and lower back muscles.

Now you might be thinking “It can’t be me, I don’t have tight abs!”, but what I mean is that your abs are much tighter than your lower back muscles. We are comparing the tightness of the muscles within your body.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

The spine is then in a compromised position, especially when you bend forward, as hinging from the hips is impossible when the tilt is too strong. A chronic PPT creates all sorts of issues, including herniated (or “slipped”) discs.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Generally years of poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle.

HOW TO FIX IT?

Stretch your hamstrings, glutes and abs! And strengthen your hip flexors and lower back muscles.

NEED HELP?

If you think this might be your situation and you’d like to improve your posture and back health, send me a DM! We can chat about your situation and see how I can help you :)