Good Posture is Wildly Underrated

Good posture is wildly underrated. Some of the minor aches and pains you feel on a daily basis could be an effect of poor posture. Today we will define perfect posture, its importance, and how to fix it. We hope you enjoy it!

Importance of Posture:

Good posture is more than just looking good; It’s a crucial aspect of long-term health. Posture refers to how you hold your body and can be categorized as static or dynamic. Static posture is how you hold yourself when you are not moving, such as sitting, standing, or sleeping. Dynamic posture is how you hold yourself when you are moving, like when you are walking, running, and so on. Recognizing the significance of both types is essential. Poor posture can lead to numerous issues in the short run and long run of our lives. Neck, shoulder, and back pain are a common problem that can be traced back to poor posture. In addition, it can contribute to difficulties breathing, digesting food, and overall joint health. Understanding and maintaining good posture are key elements for a healthier and more comfortable life.

Defining good Posture:

So what does good posture even look like (link)?

Good dynamic posture can be tricky sometimes but in general, you want to keep an overall balanced and aligned position. This involves keeping your head level and in line with your spine, relaxing your shoulders without rounding them forward, and maintaining the natural curves of the spine. Your arms should swing naturally at the sides, coordinating with your stride, while your hips remain level and in alignment with your upper body. Knees should face forward and align with your feet, and your feet should land on the heels and push off from the balls of the feet. 

You can apply the same basic principle from above to your static posture (an overall balanced and aligned position). However, there will be some changes since static posture is characterized by zero movement. This requires keeping your head level with your eyes looking forward and avoiding excessive titling. Your shoulders should relax naturally without slumping forward, and your spine should maintain its natural curves from the neck and the lower back. Arms should be positioned close to the body with your elbows at a comfortable angle. Whether sitting or standing close to the body with elbows at a comfortable angle. Whether sitting or standing, your hips should align with your spine, and your knees should face forward. When you’re standing, distribute your weight evenly on both feet, keeping them shoulder-width apart, and when sitting, ensure your feet are flat on the floor. It’s also important to make occasional posture adjustments to help prevent stiffness.

How to fix posture:

Understanding what constitutes good posture is the first step towards a healthier stance. However, addressing the challenges of our modern lifestyle is equally crucial. With the average person spending over 6 hours sitting each day, often engaged in activities that involve looking down, it becomes important to recognize these situations and actively work on correcting posture during them.

To achieve this, adopting new habits and, in some cases, modifying your environment is essential. For instance, consider holding your phone at eye level to alleviate strain on your neck and gradually move towards perfect posture. Adjusting the height of your monitor screen to eye level, whether through monitor stands or even using books if you lack access to a stand, can also significantly contribute to a more ergonomic setup. You may also want to explore a standing desk option as they pose many benefits when it comes to good posture.

Finally, the importance of incorporating movement cannot be overstated. With simple adjustments, like moving every 5 minutes and regularly readjusting your posture, you can make a significant difference. These movements serve to reset your body, acting as reminders to maintain good posture throughout the day. Supplementing these efforts with specific exercises, such as the McGill Big 3, glute bridge holds, bar hangs, cat cows, and the couch stretch, can further reinforce your commitment to achieving and sustaining optimal posture.