A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind…
Morihei Ueshiba
Posture is not just about looking good, it helps our bodies to function properly. When your bent over or slouching you not only don’t look your best but it can cause a myriad of problems or reactions such as poor circulation, a misuse of energy, fatigue, poor spinal health, digestive problems, let alone causing pain, joint, muscle and ligament misalignment. And the benefits of good posture – well the opposite to all the above of course! As well as a boost in confidence, self esteem, improves your mood and so many other positives.
Posture is something we are big on as our clients know we are always working to ensure their postures are correct. This is only a quick update so to be brief have a read, take action, and if you are wanting to know more or to would like to get a posture check with us just let us know and we can organise.
- Stand tall – as if you have a string on the top of your head and someone is pulling it up. Your head should be straight forward, your shoulders slightly back so you feel your shoulder blades moving closer together, feet facing forward, pelvis neutral (not tucking you buttocks in or curving your back). Your body should be stacked i.e. your ears are over the shoulders, the ribs over the hips, and the hips over the heels, your spine and pelvis are in a neutral position. Now when you walk imagine a book sitting on top of your head and keeping it there.
- Sit Correctly – Keep your head straight, feet on the floor, keep your shoulders back and try and relax, knees slightly apart and even or lower than your hips, have your weight evenly distributed on both hips, don’t cross your legs. And importantly get up and move around every 30 minutes. A good way to judge your sitting is to slouch completely then draw yourself up accentuating the curves in your back for a few seconds then back off 10% and that should be a good sitting posture.