Do you want to take your workouts to the next level? How confident are you when you walk into a room? What about simply being able to stand in line at the grocery store without feeling that nagging lower back pain? If the answer to any or all of these is yes, then it’s time to work on your posture. In this first post on posture, we will explore some reasons why good posture matters. In the second blog post we will look at what good posture looks like, and how to achieve it.
Why Does It Matter?
As we discussed in the post on Breathing, proper alignment is crucial for your muscles, ligaments, and joints to function at optimal capacities. Misalignment of joints (bad posture) causes a chain reaction where some muscles shorten and others lengthen to accommodate the new position. Over time, this encourages muscular inhibition (an inability to properly fire) of the affected muscles which can lead to even worse posture, muscular tension/weakness, and joint deterioration. Many of our most common physical complaints are simply a result of years of poor postural habits. Proper alignment, on the other hand, sets us up to move well when we walk, lift, twist, bend, etc. So improving your posture could help you expand your exercise horizons by opening you up to movements that you once could not perform.
Aside from your joints and muscles, bad posture affects your physiology on a deeper level. In order to function properly, your internal organs need adequate space in your abdominal cavity. Internal rotation and flexion of the upper body (slouching) smashes the delicate internal organs and causes them to function more slowly. This is especially the case for your intestines. Poor posture along with long sedentary periods can cause slow bowel function. Something we all would like to avoid. Also affected are your major arteries, specifically your abdominal aorta and carotid artery. A forward slumped posture (generally associated with sitting) and forward head posture (leaning forward to look at a computer screen) puts an increased amount of pressure on these main arteries. Over a period of time, this can manifest as high blood pressure and arterial wall damage which can lead to build ups and blockages. Yikes!
Also, your posture says something about how you feel about yourself. A tall, open shoulder girdle and level gaze says to the world, “I’m approachable and friendly” while forward slumped shoulders with eyes to the ground says, “Do not approach.” Proper alignment improves mood and confidence in the same way that smiling can help manufacture happiness. Try it and let us know what happens!
Join us next time for the second part when we look at what good posture looks like and how to achieve it.
Other suggested reading: Fitness Foundation – Part II – Hydration, Fitness Foundation – Part III – How Well Are You Sleeping?
