The Importance of Posture: Mood, flexibility and health

     [i]Our bodies can be seen as a creative act of our inner psyche. People who stand a certain way are perceived to be stronger, more confident and even more capable. Those who tend to slouch are seen in more negative ways, even though they are just as skilled as someone with “good” posture. For many years, people who have back problems have participated in Posture Corrective Exercises (PCE) to reduce pain. Studies have shown that working on improving posture has positive effects in many areas of our lives, not only in back pain relief. Activities like Yoga are becoming more popular because of its emphasis on positioning the body properly. It is one example of posture improvement and its positive effects in our lives.

·        Physical Activity and Body Image:  Stephano et al (2011) found that participating in physical activity where the participant paid close attention to body position and posture had a positive effect on one’s overall body image. This means that people who exercise  in this fashion tend to feel more content about how their body looks and feels, as well as feeling more positive  about how their body is perceived. Body image is a critical part of feeling healthy and happy in our daily lives. Good posture promotes a good body image. There is no doubt that many of us fight the deluge of media images for what a “body” should look like. It is important to remember that there are many ways a healthy body can look. Good posture helps us to be more in touch with how our own body can look its best.

·        [ii] Emotional Lift and Improved Appearance:  Being aware of one’s posture has been shown to provide an increase feeling of happiness and control over one’s life. Poor posture has been compared to holding a bowling ball in front of you for hours and days one end. You can imagine how it changes the body (Krucoff, 2008). The other positive effect of better posture is “instant weight loss”. Yes, it is true that standing properly with shoulders back and head balanced gives the sense that one has lost about 5 pounds. As it is, our bodies do not have the best design as a biped (quadrupeds are more agile and have fewer back issues). There is already much stress on the spine and back muscles. If improving posture can help so many areas, who would not want to focus on this relatively simple task?

·        [iii]Flexibility and Range of Motion:   Posture is also closely linked with stretching. It is not possible to stretch muscles when the body is hunched over or pulled too far forward. Thus people who stretch every day (either before an exercise or as an activity in itself) are improving their posture and range of motion. When muscles are stretched, they maintain flexibility. Remember that muscles do not age, and it is never too late to build strength, range of motion, better posture and flexibility.

     The evidence that good posture has nothing but good effects on our lives is overwhelming. From reducing pain, to making us look thinner, to more flexibility, to more happiness, there is no reason not to focus on having better posture.

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[i]  Stefano Scarpa et al., "Does Women's Attitudinal State Body Image Improve after One Session of Posture Correction Exercises?," Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal39, no. 8 (2011), http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-268602637.

[ii]  Carol Krucoff, "Get out of Your Slump: Proper Posture Can Relieve Pain and Enhance Appearance," The Saturday Evening Post, September-October 2008, 14, http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-184287302.

[iii] It's a STRETCH Warming Up Can Increase Flexibility, Range of Motion," Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), January 9, 2012, http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-276667749.

   

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