The Benefits of Good Posture
There is one element of physical change that is quite powerful but often goes overlooked. That element is posture. We usually focus on diet and exercise, which are very important, but we often ignore posture. Consider the person who has a good diet, exercises, and yet has very poor posture. This person might look older or in some cases, even unhealthy.
Good posture is one of those things that can give you instant gratification! Stand in front of a mirror and straighten up – you’ll see a different person!. Diet and exercise are certainly important and provide benefits, but no other element of body care is so quickly apparent.
The benefits of good posture make it a desirable factor to focus on. Consider the following advantages:
- Optimal organ and muscle function for maximum energy, endurance, and vigor.
- Optimal biomechanics for the best possible muscle performance.
- A neck, shoulders, and upper back that are not more painful or fatigued than the rest of the body at the end of the day or at the end of a long drive.
- Greater concentration and mental ability (as a result of this reduced pain and fatigue).
- Fewer upper and lower back problems.
- A flatter and stronger stomach. In fact, without proper posture you can never achieve the flattest stomach and smallest waist possible.
- A more respect-producing, confident, competent, vigorous, and youthful appearance.
If those benefits don’t excite you, nothing will. If they do you can start to experience some of these benefits right away.
Good posture is not a complicated formula to try and figure out. Good posture is the maintenance of the normal curvatures of the spine. If your spine is out of shape, the rest of your body will follow suit. The spine is the foundation for the rest of your body structure. If you let poor posture prevail, your joints and muscles will pay the price, as will your appearance. On the other hand, if you keep your spine lined up correctly, you help provide benefits to the rest of the body.
From the magazine Prime Health & Fitness here are some helpful tips on how to do that:
- Never sleep on your stomach.
- Pick a firm mattress (neither too soft nor too firm).
- When you sit, your shoulders should be aligned vertically over your hips, and do not cross your legs at the thighs.
- Sit symmetrically so there’s pressure on both hips.
Many people spend most of the day sitting; driving to and from work, watching television, surfing the Internet, or sitting at a desk in the office. You should employ good posture when seated since much of the day is spent in this condition. The seat height of your work chair should be approximately the length of your lower leg, and make sure the chair seat width is two inches wider than your buttocks for adequate support.
Another good idea is to take a break and get out of the chair every now and then. Sleeping is another position in which posture can be adjusted. Experts agree that when you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs and a small rolled towel at the curve of your neck. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees.
Developing good posture doesn’t mean you have to start strutting around like a peacock. Instead, good posture requires you to align your earlobe over the middle of your shoulders and over your hip joint, as well as over a point roughly an inch in front of the ankle joint. Draw that line mentally; then line your body up accordingly. Shoulders should be back and down, with the chin and chest slightly up, and the waist tucked slightly in.
A strong core (stomach and back muscles) are key to keeping good posture at all times. Your abdominals play a very big role in being able to maintain proper posture, so a good exercise routine will go a long way in helping to hold your good posture in place.
The fastest way you can improve your health and appearance is by paying attention to your posture. Straighten up and start enjoying the benefits that good posture provides—today!
Although this woman’s posture may look normal,, compare it to when she pulls back her shoulders, lifts the chest, and brings the chin up and back. Maintaining good posture takes a lot of practice. Remind yourself constantly of what you are trying to do.
Look younger, feel better!
Stand up straight!
