Last week, I explained what PPT (posterior pelvic tilt) is, so today, we’re shining a light on the opposite: APT (anterior pelvic tilt).
As you can guess if you read my post on PTT, APT is when the front of the pelvis is drawing downwards, and the back upwards. It’s the position you get into if I tell you to stick the bum back.
(Images from my Instagram post.)
If you’ve ever done cat/cow in a yoga class, in the cow pose, your pelvis is in a PPT. Or if you lay on your back and lift the lower back away from the floor.
IS IT A PROBLEM?
The issue is when the pelvis stays in this position chronically, because of overly tight hip flexors and lower back muscles, relative to weaker abs and glutes.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
The exaggerated curve of the lumbar spine that it creates generates a lot of tension in the lower back. If you have lower back pain when you stand on your feet for too long, it might be the cause.
WHAT CAUSES THIS?
Again, years of bad posture and excessive sitting causes the shortening of the hip flexors and the weakening of the glutes.
I also see it a lot in pregnant women because the weight of the baby pulls the lumbar spine into a curve.
HOW TO FIX IT?
Stretch your hip flexors and lower back! And strengthen your abs and glutes (don’t strengthen your abs if you’re pregnant).
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 :)
