Maintaining proper posture is not just about looking poised and confident; but also plays a vital role in preventing musculoskeletal problems and improving overall body function. Let’s take a look at the importance of good posture, the benefits of it, and practical tips to both achieving/maintaining it.
Why is it important?
Spinal Health: Ensures optimal alignment of the spine, reducing the strain on spinal structures and preventing conditions such as chronic back pain, sciatica, etc.
Function: Helps distribute the body's weight evenly, reducing the strain on specific muscle groups. It prevents muscle imbalances; improving efficiency and reducing tension/fatigue.
Breathing/Circulation: Allows the lungs to fully expand, optimize oxygen intake and induce circulation.
Digestion: Sitting/standing with good posture prevents compression of organs and allowing for cleaner digestion.
Joint Health: Reduces the risk of joint wear and tear a.k.a. arthritis.
The Benefits:
Enhanced Physical Performance: With improved body alignment, you’ll experience better balance, coordination, and power. From everyday activities like reaching high on a shelf/stepping out of a shower tub to competing in Spartan warrior races; both you and your body will be ready for the task.
Increased Vitality: Good posture reduces muscle fatigue and conserves energy; leaving you feeling more energetic and less fatigued on a daily basis.
Confidence: Recent studies show a powerful correlation between serotonin (one of the most powerful neurotransmitters for mood, digestion, etc) and erect posture. Ultimately, this boosts your self-esteem and ability to handle challenges.
Pain Prevention: Proper alignment helps alleviate or prevent chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. It creates resilience in the body so that 1) it’s harder to get hurt and 2) if you do get hurt, it’s not as intense nor does it last as long.
Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Good Posture:
Be Mindful: Regularly check in with your body throughout the day to ensure you are maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, or walking. Infrequent side glances as you walk past a city building is a nice way to observe your posture in the moment. You can’t adjust/change what your not aware of…
Ergonomic Workspace: Set up your workstation to promote good posture. Adjust your chair, desk, and computer screen to support a neutral spine position.
Strengthen Core Muscles: Engage in exercises that target your core muscles with a focus on functional movement patterns (lunge, squat, press, pull, etc) to support your spine and maintain better posture.
Stretch Regularly: Perform stretching exercises or regularly participating in a mobility program will help to release tension in tight muscles.
Proper Lifting Techniques: Proper body mechanics with lifting heavy and/or light objects or light frequently allows your brain/body to integrate healthy postural behaviors. Bracing your core and being mindful of the positioning of your spine is a good place to start.
Good posture isn’t given, it’s earned.….over time. By making conscious efforts to maintain proper alignment in your daily activities; by participating in exercises programs that promote conditioning and fitness; you’ll start to see improved spinal health/aesthetic appearance and feel an increase in both energy and confidence!
…It’s really never too late to work on your posture and make positive changes to your overall well-being.
So what are you waiting for?