Improving posture

Before we look at how to improve posture, we must understand that posture has important implications for your body’s health and physical fitness.

What is posture?

Posture is the position of your body, at any moment in time, whether you’re moving or sedentary.

Why is posture important?

Posture deals with the amount of pressure you allocate on your body’s muscles, bones, and joints. Having good posture lowers the amount of pressure allocated and it distributes that pressure to the muscles, bones, and joints that can handle it the best. Without proper posture you put your body at great risk of strains and injuries.

Strains and injuries from poor posture commonly occur in your lower back. This is because your spine is the most important component to good posture and the central piece to your body’s structure. Poor posture of almost any kind puts excessive pressure on your spine and can create lower back problems. If poor posture is consistently repeated you become vulnerable to chronic pain and longer term injuries.

How to improve posture?

The answer is practice, practice, practice. You should be conscious of your posture. Make sure you are not putting awkward pressure on your body parts. You also should have a certain level of strength, endurance, and flexibility in your muscles and joints. This will help support your bones, particularly, your spine.

Most common posture positions

The goal of any of these positions is to keep your spine straight or neutral.

Standing Position – When standing, proper posture consists of a vertical placement of your body from your head to your feet. This includes your making sure your head is vertical as well.

Sitting Position – When sitting, maintain vertical placement of your back and head. A firmer surface or chair is generally better to sit on, as something too soft may cause slouching.

Lying Posture – It’s difficult to keep your spine straight when lying down. Proper support, like a firm surface and supportive pillow, are needed to keep your spine from bending when lying down. It’s best to lie either on your side or on your back, not your stomach. Surfaces that are too soft can create stiffness and soreness.

Side – If you lie on your side, bend your knees and place pillow between them for support.

Back – If you lie on your back, place a pillow under your knees for support.