Posture

In 1989, racing in a schoolboy British championship round, I had a crash and broke the 3rd bone down in my neck and had a compression fracture in my lower back. Of which I have recovered with no physical problems. However, I do feel that there was a turning point for me with my posture.

After having a 'halo' removed from my head (a metal frame work connected to a body piece) I was fitted with a collar which fitted around my chin, back of head and part way down my back and front. This was to be made from a plaster of paris mold first.
Whilst the doctor was making the cast around my shoulders, as I sat on a stool, she told me to relax. I replied that I was. She then asked me to relax even more, so I slumped my shoulders forward to relax even more. After wearing this collar of 6 weeks, my muscles and tends had adjusted to fit this shape. To me, it felt great to be collar free and was unaware of any change in my posture.

Over time and through training my shoulders are more square and I still need to think about my shoulders being back.

On my visit to Sheffield University I meet a person who assessed my body flexibility and strength. After performing some specific exercises he was able to point out my weak areas and without telling him before hand he pointed to where I have had passed injuries.

He gave me specific exercises to do, to improve my strength and posture. Along with the exercise and consciously reminding myself to keep my back straight and shoulder blades flat to back, I am very slowly getting to where I want to be.

This has also made me realise that there is no need for motocross specific exercises. A body is a body and needs to have strength in the right places to hold correct posture, whether you are a motocross rider or a Badminton player, being able to hold your body with good posture will allow you more efficient power as well as increased balance.