LITHE GOAL OF THE WEEK! 18 Feb 2013

Lithe's Higher Power Band System is a true multitasking prop.  It really defines the armpit, dynamically works the shoulder girdle AND works the rhomboids and trapezius isometrically while stretching pectoralis minor and major.  They shape the body to absolute perfection-All the way down to your hips. 

This week lets work on our hand form!  Resist using the Squeeze, Claw and Broken Wrist grips (shown above).  Try your hardest to place the band between your thumb and forefinger and work with your palms facing down so that you can really attack the correct muscles of the arm.  In the beginning you may feel a bit of soreness in the muscles of the thenar eminence and transverse ligaments where the thumb and wrist meet.  That soreness will go away within 4-6 classes. 

Image of Lithe Instructor, Carrie Gero via Lauren

Comments

[Elle]

I have such a hard time with the band - I get extreme cramps in my hand so I keep avoiding classes that use band system. Any advice?

[Anon]

I'm guilty of doing the "squeeze" most of the time. This is going to be a hard goal to meet, but I'll try my best in Waspie on Thursday!

[audrey]

So tough! I definitely had trouble opening jars after higher power and split this weekend!

[Lauren Boggi Goldenberg]

Hi Elle! It is 100% normal for your hands to hurt at first when you're just getting used to the bands. Give the band classes a chance (at least 4-6 band classes) until your hands (& arms/shoulders/back/core) get stronger. It takes some time to get used to the bands and work correctly (slide your shoulders down and not grip/squeeze the bands). Eventually, your arm, shoulder, back, and core muscles will also get stronger and take the work out of your hands, allowing you to relax your grip more and experience fewer cramps and less pain. And, always wear gloves!

[julia]

Proper band holding completely changes your shoulders because they start doing most of the work. Sometimes I see women in class holding them wrong and it looks to painful and hard! Holding them the right way definitely changes the workout and really is easier on you.