By Bernadette Kathryn, LMT, IHLC
What makes up a healthy back and good posture?
A healthy back and good posture indicate proper alignment of the body’s segments so that the least amount of energy is required to maintain the desired position and you are not fighting gravity too much. The benefit of achieving this healthy back and posture would be that the least amount of stress is placed on the body during regular, routine activities. With a healthy back and good posture, a person can ultimately and optimally attain balance and proportion of his or her body and framework. A healthy back and good posture optimizes breathing and has a positive effect on the circulatory system.
Chronic deviations from a healthy back and good posture with a neutral spine lead to pain and discomfort. Increased stress on your back causes damage to your muscles and bones over time. When the backbone is kept in a poor posture for extended periods of time, it raises the diaphragm, preventing the body from taking a full breath. People who sit for long periods of time on the job are susceptible to some potential pains. It is wise to get up and walk around regularly throughout the day if you have a desk job.
“Neutral spine” is ideally maintained while sitting, standing, and sleeping. That can be achieved through awareness, careful set up of your desk, proper chairs, a balanced exercise and stretching routine and cautious pillow propping with the best silk pillowcase at night.
Your Challenge this week:
Is to observe your posture.
Enlist the assistance of a trusted friend and take a good look at your habits.
What can you do today to support your healthy back and good posture?
i have found if i look slightly down at the screen it takes some pressure off my neck. i tend to arch my neck too much during the day and i develop an aching stiff neck.
I have done more YOGA! Only three days worth, but still. I found a ton of yoga videos on youtube (and I have enough experience with good instructors to know what’s right from what’s not) and it has really helped supplement my cardio while my back is healing.
Having strong back musculature and postural awareness is an essential building block of a sexy, pain-free body. Practicing good posture during exercise and while working helps to cement the behavior as normal and natural.
Our bodies are designed to have an ideal posture that helps eliminate joint pain by balancing the musculature as we move through gravity ~ this concept is a great place to begin when working to improve one’s posture
AND – standing up straight can often take inches away from one’s waistline!! Bonus 🙂
I could use some work on this, mostly in my work setting. When I am at my office, I have crappy university chairs/desks. I adjust the chair occasionally, which helps. I should probably do more Yoga, because my posture is much better when I do.
This challenge was written for me! I have the WORST posture….although I have a significant curvature of my upper spine, so much of it is structural and not correctable without surgery, it is imperative for me to always sit up as straight as I can and strengthen my surrounding muscles through the core exercises prescribed by my docs!
from Estelle – COOL CATS
Posture is one of my big challenges- I got into a bad habit of not standing up straight and I have to remind myself every minute to stand up straight and walk tall- My husband keeps reminding me and now the physical therapist noticed it- I must make a conscious effort to STAND UP STRAIGHT! It certainly takes effort when you are used to slouching- When I come into work with my food for the week, the teachers are very interested- so we end up chatting about good eating and exercise so it is a wonderful exchange- most of them are young and listen when I discuss things- Hopefully we will be there for each other- They do remind me to drink my water (as I am in the office a lot of the time)