This is something in T-Tapp that really can’t be focused on too much!
As we focus on different aspects of form, it’s easy to lose something we previously had down. Kind of like those “get the plates spinning” shows I used to see! About the time you get them all spinning, this one starts to wobble–fix it, another one wobbles, fix that….well, you get the picture, right?! 
I recently shared how on my video upload to my mentor, I noticed my own shoulder/hip alignment was off–many times over! That is part of “curling the core” and “ribs up”!
When you are “lifting ribs”, you are lifting your breastbone to the ceiling–which puts your shoulders back in alignment with your hips. Do this in front of a mirror to check on it. I have two mirrors in our main bath–one over the double sink that shows down to my mid-thigh, and a decorative mirror that looks like a window on the side wall. So when I am doing a move–plies, for instance–I can see my front and side views. I can see right away whether I pitched forward at the “bottom” of the plie, and I can see if my arms are straight up or “cheerleader arms”!
Mirrors can be great, but so can videos! You don’t have to be a trainer-in-training or even sending a video in for a trainer to review to benefit from taping yourself! You can be your own critic—watch the video, and especially watch when your shoulders shift forward out of alignment. And if that doesn’t “seem” to be happening, watch your bosom—I saw how when I lost the “lifted ribs” my bosom shifted down a bit. It can be so imperceptible, but just being aware of it can really help you in your workouts!
For now, along with learning to teach it, I’m trying hard to focus on ribs up and curling my core. Just lifting your ribs gets the ribcage out of the abdominal area, making more room for the organs and keeping them from pushing out into a poochy tummy!
Ribs up doesn’t just apply to workouts! Sitting at the computer (um…yeah! I can see you! 
), driving, walking, standing….if you focus hard on shoulder/hip alignment during your workout, but the rest of the day slouch, you’re basically sabotaging your good efforts! At first it’s hard–retraining those muscles to hold your posture–but in the end it is worth it!
How effective is this, really?
Well, I’ve been teaching 2 classes a week for about 3 weeks now. I do 1-3 workouts the rest of the week on my own (or with my daughters). I’ve tried to be mindful of this in my workouts/classes, and I’m also seeking to focus on it throughout the day (sometimes very successfully, sometimes…not so much!).
I can tell my “muffin” is getting much smaller, and I am doing basically no floorwork! I do the Organs in Place (OIP), Half Frogs and Elevators about 5 times a week, but that is it! So I know the “ribs up” is really helping!
Why not make that your focus this week? During your workouts, in front of a mirror while doing a few troublesome moves, throughout your day….think “ribs up” and lift your breastbone to the ceiling–and see if it doesn’t make a difference!
You may notice a difference in your tummy….or thighs….or even arms! Yes, keeping that shoulder/hip alignment is THAT important!
So give it a try, and keep an eye on the results! Be sure to share in a comment if you start noticing good things happening! (Or even if you have questions!)
Happy Tappin’!
P.S. If any of you have particular topics or questions you’d like to see addressed, feel free to comment or e-mail me, and I can address them in future T-Tapp Tuesdays! (Or, Workout Wednesdays! )