Stuff.co.nz tries ELDOA class at Sweet7 in Auckland

Want to know what an ELDOA Class is like at Sweet7? Check out this article by Stuff.co.nz writer! Read about his experience taking a class with Emma Brake at my old stomping grounds in Auckland.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/104318940/playing-up-we-try-eldoa

Playing Up: We try Eldoa

By: Stephen Heard

June 03, 2018 •05:00am

Eldoa is all about destressing the spine.

THE BASICS
Neither yoga or pilates, Eldoa (long name: longitudinal osteoarticular decoaptation stretching) is a form of spinal decompression that was developed by French-born osteopath Guy Voyer. A great way to discover all the things you're doing wrong with your posture, the technique involves practising very precise exercises to target and strengthen the spine –  there are postures for all joints of the sacrum, pelvis, shoulders and skull – which have been noted to help relieve back and neck pain, improve breathing and sleeping, and generally improve one's quality of life.

GIVING IT A BASH
For this session at Auckland's Sweet7 our goal was to de-stress the spine by holding complex static contractions for 60 seconds. But before getting to that stage there were two warm-ups to complete. We began on our feet loosening up the ankles, legs, shoulders and neck. Already, there were several mentions of stacking the spine tall and alignment.

There was marching on the spot, circling the knees in a figure of eight and controlled bending to the floor. Warm-up number two focused on the muscles that can spasm when practising Eldoa – usually the hip flexors, rotators and quads. On a yoga mat, we were guided through a controlled lunge with very subtle movements to create tension: pushing the heel, twisting the ankle, tucking the pelvis, raising the arms and splaying the fingers. Then, there was a seated hip-flexing position useful to those who dead-lift at the gym and a deep quad stretch against the wall. It was all in preparation for the main event.

For the first official Eldoa position we sat down on the floor to target the lower L4-L5 spine. Sweet7 instructor Emma Brake revealed that most of the poses create tension in the legs before the arms are extended to create space. Every single movement was described to the finest detail while Emma outlined what we should be feeling – from the little toes stretching towards the knees to the tension in the shins. Once in position, the timer started and specific sections of the back were lined up with a stick (or leg) to straighten and maintain length in the spine, a key message throughout. We were encouraged to breathe through the struggle, while trying to lengthen with every exhale. Keeping the tension for a full minute was tough. There was a muscle-shaking exercise that rolled limbs inwards, a marker of spinal strength that was likened to carrying a tray of drinks, a mentally challenging exercise for the upper spine that prompted heavy breathing throughout the class, and an attempt to flatten the neck against the floor. They all served as brutal reminders to work on posture.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRY IT
My initial sheen of perspiration revealed that Eldoa is far more than your average stretching session. It requires strong mental focus and the ability to co-ordinate several body parts at the same time. Brake revealed that it's normal to feel light muscle soreness after an Eldoa session – this rang true through my quads the days following. The technique uses complex contractions and fascial tension to help strengthen the spine and realign it for better posture, which helps alleviate and prevent back problems, balance the body, improve joint mobility and prevent injuries. The noted benefits are endless and will vary from participant to participant.