Posture
If you’ve been following us on the socials you would have noticed we have a theme this month and it is all about posture. Why posture? Because we think it’s a pretty big deal and we want our practice members to have the best posture and enjoy all the health benefits that come with it.
What is posture?
Posture is simply the way you hold your body while you are standing, sitting, sleeping and moving.
This is generally a result of the spinal curvatures, the way your joints and muscles work together and your brain’s understanding of where your body is in space or proprioception.
When we have good posture our bodies are well balanced and aligned allowing our joints and muscles to work together and create movement with minimal effort. On the other hand having bad posture creates imbalances in the body and puts us at risk of developing pain and injuries
What are the benefits of having good posture?
- Improved breathing
When we have good posture, our diaphragm is not compressed and lungs are able to fully expand allowing us to take deeper breaths and get more oxygen through our bodies
2. Improved mood and energy
The extra oxygen in our bodies helps us create more energy. Having good posture has also been shown to make us feel more confident.
3. Stronger core muscles.
Having good posture engages the core muscles, therefore helping improve strength and stability
4. Reduced stress on joints.
Good posture creates good alignment in the joints and muscle reducing the stress on joints during movement.
5. Keep your spine healthy.
Good posture reduces stress on your spine and reduces the risk of spinal injuries and wear and tear.
How to improve posture?
- Stand tall
First step in improving your posture is awareness. Becoming aware of your body while you are standing, sitting or laying down. Think about how you are holding your head, shoulders etc.
2. Take regular breaks
Set an alarm reminder to take a break and adjust your posture if you are watching tv, at your desk or driving.
3. Stretch daily
Stretches such as the child’s pose, cat cow and planks are very hood at lengthening tight muscles and loosening up the spine making it easier to maintain good posture.
4. Strengthen your core
When your core is weak it can be very difficult even painful to maintain good posture. Doing exercises that specifically target and strengthen the core muscles will make it easier to engage these muscles and maintain good posture.
5. Get adjusted
Poor posture can create imbalance in your joints and muscle. Getting checked and adjusted by a chiropractor can correct these imbalances and help you improve and maintain good posture.
At Optistart we want to see everyone thrive and enjoy the benefits of having good posture. To book your next check up with one of our practitioners head to our website or call the office today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
