What is good posture – and ways we can improve bad posture

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? posture? what is good

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.

Posture analysis

If your back doesn’t curve naturally you’ll need to improve its flexibility and strength to prevent damage to discs or vertebrae; Pilates is excellent for this. If you are tight through stress then maybe find a masseur and seek a meditative activity such as yoga to help release tension. Other postural issues such as joint misalignments and muscle imbalances will need tailored one-to-one treatment.

The most effective way to achieve this new habit is to fit permanent changes into your current lifestyle and add regular checks to ensure you’re doing them. Being more mindful of what your body is doing and associating everyday tasks, such as washing your hands, with remembering to adjust your posture will improve your success.

Posture analysis

Here are some handy tips to bring good posture into your everyday:

• when standing to wait for the kettle

to boil think if your weight is more on your left or right foot – try sharing it equally

• if you use a laptop consider a

separate keyboard so you can lift the screen to eye level to relieve those computer shoulders

• pause when passing your hall mirror

– check you can draw an imaginary straight line through your ear, shoulder, hip and ankle

Jenny Gebka founded Adaptive Pilates to support the physical rehabilitation of her clients using APPI modified and progressive Pilates exercise. She offers postural analysis and works one-to-one with her clients to help them back to normal movement. Contact her to arrange an initial no-obligation chat:

E | info@adaptivepilates.co.uk W | adaptivepilates.co.uk