fitness & fitness trends
When you were younger, did your mother tell you to sit up straight or stop slouching? She probably had good reason to comment on your posture! However, the back is designed to be naturally curved and with more of us using electronic devices, it’s difficult not to slouch. So what is good posture, what causes bad posture and how can we improve it?
good posture?
what is
Good posture is when the body is in neutral alignment, whether in motion or at rest. This makes it more efficient and prevents wear and tear causing us pain. The body feels energised, it moves with fluidity and enables us to do the activities we enjoy the most; whether it’s running after our children, attempting a new physical challenge or simply moving with more elegance.
So what’s stopping us? Let’s first take a look at some of the root causes of bad posture. • lifestyle – the pressure of today’s expectations means we often take our health for granted • bad habits – we constantly cut corners because it seems easier or takes less time • stress – can also affect us physically, by tightening areas and pulling our bodies out of shape • anatomy – something impinges the joint, due to injury or ongoing conditions • overworking – pushing our bodies into movements beyond their capabilities. Taking this all into account, how can we achieve better posture? Initially, it is good to get an objective analysis of your posture from a professional. They may suggest some small adjustments that can be achieved quickly or a program that might take more effort, but addressing postural issues will undoubtedly be beneficial in the long run.
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