You experience gravity daily every time you sit, lie down or stand up. Without gravity you would float off into the atmosphere. Posture is what keeps you from being pulled down to the ground! Good posture is the correct bone alignment and muscle tension supporting our body parts. Posture isn’t something we have to think about, it just happens. But good posture must be something we are consciously aware of and practice.
CORRECT POSTURE:
- Reduces risk of arthritis and joint pain. Bones and joints in correct alignment don’t wear as quickly.
- Minimizes likelihood of injury.
- Prevents muscle strain such as shoulder, neck and back pain.
Improper posture means you’re in a position where your muscles and ligaments aren’t able to work as intended.
PRACTICE PROPER POSTURE:
Sitting. Feet should be firmly on the floor with knees and hips bent to 90 degrees. Roll your shoulder blades back and down. Your ears should be in-line with your shoulders, and your shoulders should be in-line with your hips.
Standing. Ears, shoulders, hips and ankles should all be in a vertical line. With your feet hip-width apart and toes forward, raise your chin up and pull your shoulders back and down.
Lying. It is ideal to sleep on your back with a pillow under the knees. When lying on your side, try a pillow between your legs to keep proper alignment of your spine.
"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind." Morihei Ueshiba