How are your ribs connected to a belly pooch? Imagine your torso as a cylinder with the respiratory diaphragm on top and the pelvic diaphragm at the bottom. These two diaphragms need to stay parallel to each other for pressure inside the abdomen to be distributed properly. If even one of them shifts out of alignment, excess pressure builds in the pelvic area, which can lead to a lower belly pooch, back pain, impaired lymphatic flow and even digestive issues. By knitting the ribs, you help stabilize the diaphragm’s position, allowing your center — your core and abdomen — to function the way it’s meant to. For more on conscious movement, follow me at @mariyamasha #pilates #pilatesonline #mindfulness #pilatesforlife