HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A BAD POSTURE?
Posture it’s a word that we have all grown up with, our parents telling us not to slouch or sit up straight. At that time, we did not really understand what the issue was.
Now its Big News that the effects of bad posture, can be long lasting and be at the root of many anatomical issues. So many people are out running and exercising which is fantastic, but their postures are suffering. Incorrect muscle groups are being used to complete the task they are asking the body to do.
This short blog is about understanding a bad posture. I am sure there are people reading this thinking “I have no idea if I have a bad posture”.
Bad posture does not necessarily mean you are going to be in pain now or in the future. All this is about is being aware and trying to keep yourself in the best possible anatomical position that you can. Good posture plays a big role in balance, by standing up straight, you centre your weight correctly over the feet. This position will always help to keep form whilst exercising or daily life which will result in less injuries and a fitter and stronger you.
If you can improve posture, improve balance you will improve performance over all in many different sports and activities. Poor posture is not necessarily about not paying attention, it can be to do with muscle tightness which can reduce range of movement.
Example: Tight chest muscles can pull your shoulders forward, tight hamstring muscles can tilt your pelvis and in turn can put excessive loading on the lower back.
Muscles work together in groups to help stabilise the body. Either a sporting individual or a corporate professional posture is the key element.
Have look at how you stand, how you feel when you are exercising and compare to the inset picture. Which one are you?
GOOD POSTURE
TEN POINTS TO REMEMBER…
- Chin parallel to the floor.
- Even shoulders, try to roll them back into an upright position.
- Keep a neutral spine, don’t over emphasise the arch in the lower back.
- Arms by the side with elbows even.
- Abdominal muscles activated, giving stability.
- Even hips.
- If you are hypamobile keep the knees inline and reframe from letting them swing backwards.
- During sitting, sit straight keeping hips and knees pointing straight ahead.
- When using your phone, bring the phone to you, do not drop your head.
- Keep this light and fun its a challenge to change posture, its a process so become aware everyday and change will be noticed.