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Good posture
How do you define good posture? The simplest way is to think of it as meaning that each part of the body is in correct alignment with the neighbouring parts. Good posture keeps your body balanced and supported, whatever position you are in.
This last point is crucial, because during the course of the day you will spend time in a variety of different positions - sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and lying down. Knowing how to attain good posture in each of these positions will result in significantly reduced back pain - this is the number one cause of missed work days in both Britain and the USA.
So how can you improve this? The first step is to analyse your habits - how do you sit in an office chair, how do you carrying things, how do you sleep at night?
Typical problems include:-
Slouching the shoulders
- Cradling the phone between neck and shoulder
- Wearing high-heeled shoes
- Sleeping with a mattress or pillow that doesn't provide proper back support
- Slumping forward in an office chair
Once you have identified a problem, you need to look for ways to correct it. Many problems come from lack of strength or flexibility - for this reason many people take up an exercise program to help address these issues. Popular choices include:-
The Alexander Technique
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Pilates
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