Article / Good Posture ... Just How Important Is It?

Posture ranks right up at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting a good night’s sleep and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress, and less fatigue.

Surprised? Well, you’re not alone. The importance of good posture in an overall fitness program is often overlooked by fitness advisers and fitness seekers alike.

Good Posture is Good Health

Good posture means your bones are properly aligned and your muscles, joints, and ligaments can work as nature intended. It means your vital organs are in the right position and can function at peak efficiency. Good posture contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Without good posture, your overall health and total efficiency may be compromised. Since the long-term effects of poor posture can affect bodily systems (such as digestion, elimination, breathing, muscles, joints, and ligaments), a person who has poor posture may often be tired or unable to work efficiently or move properly.

Poor Posture – How Does it Happen?

Often, poor posture develops because of accidents or falls. However, bad posture can also develop from environmental factors or bad habits. In most cases, poor posture results from a combination of factors like:

– accidents, injuries, or falls

– poor sleep support

– excessive weight

– visual/emotional issues

– negative self-image

– muscle imbalance

– occupational stress

– foot problems and improper footwear

– careless sitting, standing, and sleeping habits

– poorly designed workspace

Poor Posture & Pain

A lifetime of poor posture can start a progression of symptoms in the average adult. It can start with:

Fatigue: your muscles have to work hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture. You waste energy just moving, leaving you without the energy to feel good.

Tight, achy muscles: By the time this happens to your neck back, arms, and legs, there may be a change in your muscles and ligaments, and you may have a stiff, tight, painful feeling. More than 80% of the neck and back problems are the result of years of bad posture.

Joint stiffness and pain: Poor posture and limited mobility increase the likelihood of “wear & tear” arthritis called degenerative osteoarthritis.

Self-Testing for Posture Problems

The Wall Test: Stand with the back of your head touching the wall and your heels six inches from the baseboard. With your bottom touching the wall, check the distance with your hand between your lower back and the wall, and your neck and the wall. If you estimate 1 to 2 inches distance at the low back, and 2 inches at the neck, you have excellent posture. If not, your posture may need professional attention to correct the curve of your spine.

The Mirror Test: Stand facing a full-length mirror and check to see if:

– your shoulders are level

– your head is straight

– the space between your arms and sides looks equal

– your hips are level, your kneecaps face straight ahead

– your ankles are straight

Side View: This is best done with the help of another or by taking a photo. Check the following:

– Head is erect, not slumping forward or backwards

– Chin is parallel to the floor, not tilting up or down

– Shoulders are in line with ears, not drooping forward or pulled back

– Stomach is flat

– Knees are straight