The Importance of Posture for a Healthy and Efficient Body

You get told from a young age to stand up straight, don't slouch forward etc etc. However you often don't realise the importance and value of these commands until it is too late!!

As young infants we all start out being able to move freely, fluidly and effortlessly, naturally maintaining great alignment. Watch any young toddler for evidence of this. Yet as you get older modern lifestyles encourage you to sit down 90% of the time. Over time this 'sit down' culture can severely distort your posture with fairly severe consequences. Basic movements become a struggle and your body is pulled into a permanent poor alignment which further exacerbates the problems.

Poor posture and chronic tightness is not a good thing, in a nut shell poor posture leads to;

Abnormal weight distribution on joints causing joint problems and pain
Stresses muscles leading to chronic tightness and pain
Massive reduction in your movement efficiency
Decrease in energy levels
Reduction in movement options
Spine gets pulled out of optimal alignment, the negative consequences of which ripple through the body
Hampers circulation producing an environment more favourable to dysfunction and disease
Internal organs are put into misalignment which effects the optimal functioning of these organs

To help correct poor posture you must follow a balanced strength training program (too many people are making their posture worse by following poorly balanced strength training programs e.g. too many pushing movements and not enough pulling movements). Take a look at your current training program and see if it is potentially exacerbating postural faults

Another thing that I have found to be a fantasitic help in improving posture both for myself and numerous clients is the introduction of basic yoga routines. Yoga helps restore a great balance to your body, reduces your movement restrictions and helps restore optimal function.

Don't ignore your posture or your well-being will suffer in the long run!!

If you have any question/comments regarding this post it would be great to hear from you. Please get in touch using the "comments" link below and I shall aim to get back to you ASAP

Alistair Ramsay
BSc Applied Sports Science
Personal Trainer London

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