Mindset and movement blog exploring topics related to Pilates, yoga, pelvic floor health and more

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Thoughts, insights, strategies and more for your mind-body balance

Welcome to a space dedicated to your holistic well-being, where Pilates, yoga, pelvic floor health, mindset, and movement come together to inspire balance and vitality. This is your resource for strengthening both body and mind, with expert guidance and tailored practices designed to fit your unique journey. Whether you're looking to improve core strength with Pilates, enhance flexibility and mindfulness through yoga, or prioritize pelvic floor health, you'll find practical tools and insights to support your goals. Explore how cultivating a positive mindset and embracing intentional movement can transform your daily life. Empower yourself to move better, feel stronger, and live fully - your wellness journey starts here.

Woman sitting on a couch holding her hand to her neck and wincing in pain.

Lean on Me - How Neck and Shoulder Muscles Impact Your Day

November 05, 20244 min read

Did you know neck and shoulder muscles impact mood, energy, and mobility? Get tips to reduce tension, improve posture, and enhance your daily well-being.

How Your Neck and Shoulder Muscles Impact Your Day

Ever feel like your shoulders are just your new earrings? Like you are stuck in a perpetual shrug? Yeah, you’re not alone. The muscles between your neck and shoulders (hello, trapezius and levator scapulae) play a huge role in how you move and feel during your daily grind. Whether you’re typing away at your desk, chasing kids, or perfecting your air guitar to some classic 80s tunes, these muscles are constantly working behind the scenes. So let’s take a look at why these muscles matter and how they affect everything from your mood to your mobility.

The Trapezius & Levator Scapulae - A tricky pair

Meet your trapezius and levator scapulae, the dynamic duo connecting your neck to your shoulders. These muscles are responsible for everything from lifting your arms to shrugging, rotating your neck, and even helping you maintain posture. You know, the stuff you probably don’t think about until your shoulders start crying for relief at the end of a long day.

The trapezius is a large, triangle-shaped muscle that runs from the base of your head down to your mid-back. Its top portion controls your shoulder blades and helps you lift and lower your arms. The levator scapulae, on the other hand, run along the sides of your neck and attach to your shoulder blades, helping to elevate your shoulders (hence the name). Together, they support your posture, keep you moving, and help you carry those heavy grocery bags (or vinyl collections) with ease.

How Shoulder-Neck Muscles Affect Your Daily Life

  1. Posture Problems: If your posture is out of whack, it’s likely your trapezius and levator scapulae are either tight, weak, or both. Slouching, hunching, or that dreaded tech neck can overwork these muscles, leading to tension, pain, and a whole lot of discomfort. Over time, this affects your energy levels and even your mood.

  2. Tension Headaches: Ever wonder why your neck and shoulders are the first spots to feel tension when you are stressed? These muscles are stress magnets. When they are tight, they pull on your neck and skull, often causing tension headaches. If you feel that familiar ache creeping in, listen up and notice that they’re overworked and need some TLC.

  3. Range of Motion: Think about how often you reach overhead, look behind you while driving, or twist to grab something. When these muscles are restricted, so are you! And trust me, no one wants to feel like a Tin Man.

  4. Breathing: Yep, when these muscles are tight, they even affect how you breathe. They can limit the expansion of your chest, making it harder to take full, deep breaths. Breathing becomes shallow, and bedaubing - your nervous system is stuck in stress mode.

Move Your Mojo - And Your Shoulders!

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to live with that constant tension in your shoulders and neck. By becoming aware of how you hold your body and learning how to strengthen and stretch these muscles, you can start feeling better today. Enter Core Restore 2.0 where we focus on posture, muscle balance, and breathing techniques to keep your shoulders and neck happy and free.

If you want even more movement and variety, join our Move Your Mojo Membership® for access to Pilates, yoga, and strength training that can help ease tension and improve your overall alignment. You’ll not only feel better physically, but you’ll also notice your energy and mood lift as those tight muscles finally let go.

Shrug it Off

Your neck and shoulder muscles may be doing all the heavy lifting (literally), but they don’t have to hold all that tension. When you keep them strong, flexible, and supported, it makes everything easier—from your posture to your energy to how you handle everyday stress. So, let’s take a load off those shoulders, shall we?

Warmly,

Jaime


Enhance Your Wellness Journey

I believe in empowering you to live your healthiest life through a holistic approach. Whether you're looking to restore pelvic floor health, improve flexibility and vitality, cultivate a positive mindset, or integrate movement into your daily routine, there's something for everyone.

  • Core Restore 2.0 Pelvic Floor Course
    Take charge of your pelvic health with our expert-led Core Restore 2.0 Pelvic Floor Course. This program teaches you how to strengthen and restore your pelvic floor through effective exercises and mindfulness techniques.
    Learn more about Core Restore 2.0

  • Move Your Mojo Memberships
    Transform your body and mind with the
    Move Your Mojo Method®, a comprehensive approach that combines movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to enhance flexibility, energy, and overall well-being. By joining our exclusive wellness community, you’ll gain access to live sessions, personalized resources, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, as a member, you’ll enjoy 50% off all courses, including Core Restore 2.0! Get started with Move Your Mojo Memberships and take your health journey to the next level.

Neck and shoulder tension reliefShoulder muscle stress managementImprove posture and mobilityTrapezius muscle exercisesLevator scapulae muscle careStress and muscle tension connectionTension headaches and postureCore Restore for neck and shoulder healthBreathing exercises for postureShoulder flexibility and strengthNeck pain and mood improvementMobility exercises for neck and shouldersReduce shoulder tightnessDaily neck and shoulder care tipsMove Your Mojo membership
blog author image

Jaime Haines

For the past twenty years, I have been teaching people how to move with creativity and courage. Through my own experiences of undergoing major surgeries and navigating life's challenges, I have led by example. Now, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we will find your strength, energize your spirit, cultivate joy in your thoughts, and ultimately, help you come home to your best self. Let's go crazy!

Back to Blog

Jaime Haines - Move Your Mojo® | Copyright© 2025 | All Rights Reserved

Website powered by Gold Star Pro

Woman sitting on a couch holding her hand to her neck and wincing in pain.

Lean on Me - How Neck and Shoulder Muscles Impact Your Day

November 05, 20244 min read

Did you know neck and shoulder muscles impact mood, energy, and mobility? Get tips to reduce tension, improve posture, and enhance your daily well-being.

How Your Neck and Shoulder Muscles Impact Your Day

Ever feel like your shoulders are just your new earrings? Like you are stuck in a perpetual shrug? Yeah, you’re not alone. The muscles between your neck and shoulders (hello, trapezius and levator scapulae) play a huge role in how you move and feel during your daily grind. Whether you’re typing away at your desk, chasing kids, or perfecting your air guitar to some classic 80s tunes, these muscles are constantly working behind the scenes. So let’s take a look at why these muscles matter and how they affect everything from your mood to your mobility.

The Trapezius & Levator Scapulae - A tricky pair

Meet your trapezius and levator scapulae, the dynamic duo connecting your neck to your shoulders. These muscles are responsible for everything from lifting your arms to shrugging, rotating your neck, and even helping you maintain posture. You know, the stuff you probably don’t think about until your shoulders start crying for relief at the end of a long day.

The trapezius is a large, triangle-shaped muscle that runs from the base of your head down to your mid-back. Its top portion controls your shoulder blades and helps you lift and lower your arms. The levator scapulae, on the other hand, run along the sides of your neck and attach to your shoulder blades, helping to elevate your shoulders (hence the name). Together, they support your posture, keep you moving, and help you carry those heavy grocery bags (or vinyl collections) with ease.

How Shoulder-Neck Muscles Affect Your Daily Life

  1. Posture Problems: If your posture is out of whack, it’s likely your trapezius and levator scapulae are either tight, weak, or both. Slouching, hunching, or that dreaded tech neck can overwork these muscles, leading to tension, pain, and a whole lot of discomfort. Over time, this affects your energy levels and even your mood.

  2. Tension Headaches: Ever wonder why your neck and shoulders are the first spots to feel tension when you are stressed? These muscles are stress magnets. When they are tight, they pull on your neck and skull, often causing tension headaches. If you feel that familiar ache creeping in, listen up and notice that they’re overworked and need some TLC.

  3. Range of Motion: Think about how often you reach overhead, look behind you while driving, or twist to grab something. When these muscles are restricted, so are you! And trust me, no one wants to feel like a Tin Man.

  4. Breathing: Yep, when these muscles are tight, they even affect how you breathe. They can limit the expansion of your chest, making it harder to take full, deep breaths. Breathing becomes shallow, and bedaubing - your nervous system is stuck in stress mode.

Move Your Mojo - And Your Shoulders!

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to live with that constant tension in your shoulders and neck. By becoming aware of how you hold your body and learning how to strengthen and stretch these muscles, you can start feeling better today. Enter Core Restore 2.0 where we focus on posture, muscle balance, and breathing techniques to keep your shoulders and neck happy and free.

If you want even more movement and variety, join our Move Your Mojo Membership® for access to Pilates, yoga, and strength training that can help ease tension and improve your overall alignment. You’ll not only feel better physically, but you’ll also notice your energy and mood lift as those tight muscles finally let go.

Shrug it Off

Your neck and shoulder muscles may be doing all the heavy lifting (literally), but they don’t have to hold all that tension. When you keep them strong, flexible, and supported, it makes everything easier—from your posture to your energy to how you handle everyday stress. So, let’s take a load off those shoulders, shall we?

Warmly,

Jaime


Enhance Your Wellness Journey

I believe in empowering you to live your healthiest life through a holistic approach. Whether you're looking to restore pelvic floor health, improve flexibility and vitality, cultivate a positive mindset, or integrate movement into your daily routine, there's something for everyone.

  • Core Restore 2.0 Pelvic Floor Course
    Take charge of your pelvic health with our expert-led Core Restore 2.0 Pelvic Floor Course. This program teaches you how to strengthen and restore your pelvic floor through effective exercises and mindfulness techniques.
    Learn more about Core Restore 2.0

  • Move Your Mojo Memberships
    Transform your body and mind with the
    Move Your Mojo Method®, a comprehensive approach that combines movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to enhance flexibility, energy, and overall well-being. By joining our exclusive wellness community, you’ll gain access to live sessions, personalized resources, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, as a member, you’ll enjoy 50% off all courses, including Core Restore 2.0! Get started with Move Your Mojo Memberships and take your health journey to the next level.

Neck and shoulder tension reliefShoulder muscle stress managementImprove posture and mobilityTrapezius muscle exercisesLevator scapulae muscle careStress and muscle tension connectionTension headaches and postureCore Restore for neck and shoulder healthBreathing exercises for postureShoulder flexibility and strengthNeck pain and mood improvementMobility exercises for neck and shouldersReduce shoulder tightnessDaily neck and shoulder care tipsMove Your Mojo membership
blog author image

Jaime Haines

For the past twenty years, I have been teaching people how to move with creativity and courage. Through my own experiences of undergoing major surgeries and navigating life's challenges, I have led by example. Now, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we will find your strength, energize your spirit, cultivate joy in your thoughts, and ultimately, help you come home to your best self. Let's go crazy!

Back to Blog

Jaime Haines - Move Your Mojo®

Copyright© 2025

All Rights Reserved

Website powered by Gold Star Pro