The Importance of Good Posture

Being aware of good posture on a daily basis has many health benefits. Tension can build up in the body so easily, causing postural changes. You can get rounded shoulders from spending hours hunched over a computer, or tension in the neck from driving.  Backache can be brought on by lifting, carrying heavy shopping bags, gardening, or spending a long time sitting down. Joints and ligaments are put under duress in sports. Poor posture increases this impact and reduces performance.

Ideally attending an exercise class, such as FLexercise which focuses on posture, and maintain the correct alignment of the spine while exercising. With understanding of good posture, this can be checked at home, by looking in a mirror.

What can good posture do for you?

Sitting

Being aware of how you are sitting, at home or at work, prevents back ache. It reduces tension in the neck and shoulders and improves the function of internal organs. Feeling less tired is aided by improved breathing technique- slouching over a desk prevents the lungs from being used fully.

Wellbeing

Standing tall improves confidence, and gives the appearance of being slimmer, even dropping a dress size: a sure way to get that ‘feel good factor! Lengthening the spine, and keeping the hips and shoulders in alignment, firming the central part of the trunk, the core muscles, giving more tone to the body. Being aware of maintaining an upright posture when standing improves overall balance, walking technique and the health and alignment of the feet. Paying attention to action of the feet, how they support the body, has a huge impact on overall posture, and the spine.

Sport

Correct posture in sport reduces strain on joints and ensures muscles work properly. It decreases stress on tendons and ligaments and improves muscle strength. Body function is improved, as is core strength and mobility. Muscles can work better: they develop strength, particularly in the back and stomach muscles, and the core.