We now know that good posture is associated with good health, but what is good posture and how to correct your posture when it is not optimal?
What Is Posture?
Your posture is the position that you hold your body in when you are sitting, laying down or standing. When you practice ‘good’ posture all the parts of your body are well supported. This means that you are applying the correct amount of muscle tension.
For most of us posture is unconscious. That is we don’t have to think about the way we sit down or walk, because our muscles do the work for us. If you have practiced poor posture this develops into bad habits over time. If you have practiced bad posture for a long time, your joints will have adapted and it may take longer to correct.
How Do You Correct Your Posture?
Be mindful and aware of what your body is doing
The first step is an awareness of what your body is doing. Practicing good posture enables you to put the least amount of strain possible on your ligaments and muscles.
Get strong and stay flexible
Good flexibility and strength is required to maintain good posture. Have a look at a diagram of the skeleton and joints. Ask your chiropractor to explain the alignment to you so that when you are sitting, standing or lying down you know what position your skeleton is in and how you should adjust it.
Practice good habits
Once you are aware of your bad habits you can make sure you take steps to correct them by changing your posture when you’re standing, laying down or sitting.
Get professional assistance
Working with a chiropractor means you have access to a professional who can help you with the right exercises to get stronger. Collaborating with a chiropractor minimises your chances of injury.
How To Check If Your Posture Is Correct
Have a look at these tips for improving your posture and see how much room you have for improvement:
Posture exercises for sitting
- Sit with your ankles in front of your knees, and do not cross your legs.
- Keep your knees at level with or slightly below your hips.
- Adjust your seat so that the backrest supports your lower and mid back.
Posture exercises for standing
- Take most of your weight onto the balls of your feet.
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bend your knees slightly.
- Allow your arms to hang loosely at your sides, with your shoulders pulled slightly backwards
Posture exercises for lying down
Invest in a good mattress and pillow. While professionals do recommend firm mattresses, if you find a softer mattress more comfortable, that is your prerogative.
Consider an orthopaedic pillow that is designed to support good posture. Sleeping on your back or side is usually the most comfortable position for back pain. Remember to place a pillow between or under your knees, depending on what you settle on.
Contact our team today to learn more about how to correct your posture: (02) 9546 6033