Walk Like You Think You’re Beautiful – Tips for Good Posture

TIPS FOR GOOD POSTURE

“Stand up straight.” How many times did you hear that when you were a kid? How many times did you remind your own children to do it? Good posture isn’t only about looking good; it’s about feeling good.

Good posture – holding the head, shoulders and trunk in perfect alignment – creates balance, which allows our many physiological systems to function optimally, says Bill Schultz, CEO of AlignMed, a company that has been an innovator in the evidence based apparel sector and recent recipient of a special Congressional Recognition certificate for his contributions. Since 2006, AlignMed has been designing products that revolutionize the way individuals and physicians view the issue of physical ailments and performance associated with poor posture.

Why is good posture important? When we habitually sit, stand or walk in less than a fully aligned position, muscles stretch or contract to accommodate our movement. This can result in chronic imbalances that can lead to pain. When we maintain good posture, we can reduce physical stress on our bodies and potentially offset or lessen pain.

Posture also affects our emotional well-being. Studies dating back to the 19th century suggest that posture affects mood, energy and self-confidence. I can personally vouch for this. When I was a young adult and about to interview for a new job, walk into a party full of strangers or go on a first date, I’d affect what I called my “warrior stance.” I’d hold my head high, stack my shoulders and hips, suck in my stomach and stride purposefully into whatever situation awaited. My warrior stance made me feel – and appear – confident. I may have had a stomachful of butterflies, but no one but me knew that when I strutted my stuff. After a while, good posture became second nature to me – and people noticed. It’s odd to be complimented on the way one sits, stands or walks, but I have been. One of the nicest compliments I ever received was from a hairdresser who, as I entered the salon said, “It’s so nice to see a confident, strong woman. You walk like you think you’re beautiful.” That compliment stuck with me and whether or not I think I’m beautiful is a debatable and changeable issue. But that’s not the point.

“Think about the importance of posture among the most challenging sports; for track runners, ballerinas and gymnasts, optimal posture is essential,” says Schultz.

• It’s not just sitting for hours on end that’s bad for you; it’s how one sits. Sitting for long periods comes with many health risks, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. But sitting with less than perfect posture can cause significant neck pain, which involves muscles and nerves from the neck down. Proper posture can prevent neck and spinal damage.

• More than 116 million Americans, or a third of the population, suffer from chronic pain at some point in their lives. That’s according to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine. Chronic pain means that a sufferer has anywhere from 30 to 60 days of lasting pain, and this massive problem is estimated to cost Americans $635 billion dollars. For many, treatment and/or prevention is out of reach, however, a reliable and easy way to prevent chronic pain is to maintain good posture.

• A strong, well-functioning core is crucial for training and optimal health. The bulk of a body’s mass is located at and around one’s core, including the trunk and pelvis region. Today’s fitness experts firmly grasp the importance of a healthy core. Proper posture facilitates core strengthening, especially while exercising.

• Using passive therapy to continuously improve posture. To feel and look your best, it’s important to maintain good posture throughout the day. Neurologists at Rush University Medical Center say passive therapy can be even more effective than active therapy. Posture-enhancing apparel such as MyLign by AlignMed, worn by professional athletes including NBA player Dwight Howard, offer neurologic biofeedback that constantly reminds the skeleton and muscles to self-correct. The AlignMed shirt, which is not a compression garment that is used primarily for aesthetic reasons, “maps muscles in the same way kinesio tape – used to reduce inflammation, relax muscles and enhance performance – assists world-class athletes,” says Schultz.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Having good posture doesn’t mean standing stiffly at attention with every muscle in your body tightly engaged. Instead, the body should be in a natural and neutral position with your weight distributed evenly between both feet. Straighten, but don’t lock your knees, and stand tall with your ears, shoulders and hips in alignment. When seated, keep both feet flat on the floor and allow the backs of your upper thighs to support your weight. Try to find a chair that allows your knees to be level with your hips. If this isn’t the case, use a low stool to slightly prop up your feet. Don’t slouch back in your chair but sit back in it, allowing the chair to support your lower back. If it doesn’t, place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back. Keep your torso erect with your shoulders straight and not rolled or hunched. If you’re looking at a computer screen all day, make sure it’s at eye level to decrease strain in your neck and shoulders.

Stand tall. Stand proud. Walk like you think you’re beautiful – and you will be.

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