The Importance of Improving your Posture
In today’s world with so many distractions from work, social media, electronics etc., we often forget about our body position while in front of our desks or sitting in office chairs for hours at a time without any break. (Sitting for too long has been shown to cause serious health problems). The following article explains the benefits of improving your posture and some good posture exercises to help get your body in alignment.
Benefits of Improving Posture
There are a number of benefits to having good posture, such as improved overall health, increased energy levels, and improved mood. When you have a more aligned posture, your body is in its natural position and free from pain and discomfort. This not only makes you look and feel better, but can also have a positive impact on your overall health. Good posture helps to improve circulation, increase breathing capacity, and reduces the risk of developing back, neck, and joint pain. It’s important to practice good posture habits throughout the day (not just when working out!) so that you can reap all the benefits.
Research Connects Poor Posture To Diminished Capacity
There is a good deal of research that has been conducted on the importance of posture and its effects on overall health. In a study published in the journal Experimental Brain Research, researchers found that poor posture can have a negative impact on cognitive function. The study involved participants who were asked to complete a task that involved remembering the location of objects on a screen. The results showed that those who had poor posture performed worse on the task than those who had good posture.
Another study, published in the journal Spine, found that people with poor posture are more likely to experience pain in the neck and upper back. The study involved participants who were asked to complete a questionnaire about their pain levels. The results showed that those who reported higher levels of pain also reported low levels of exercise and poor posture.
Maintain Good Posture Through Awareness And Exercise
There are many ways to maintain good posture throughout the day. One is to make a conscious effort to sit and stand up straight. Another is to use a back support or lumbar pillow when sitting.
Practising neck and shoulder stretches throughout the day are good posture exercises, and also take breaks from your desk to walk around and stretch your muscles.
Also, consider incorporating these exercises to improve your posture, into your workout routine:
Pilates For Posture
Pilates can help improve your posture because it is a low-impact exercise that strengthens your core muscles. When your core muscles are strong, they support your spine and keep you upright. Additionally, Pilates teaches you how to breathe properly, which also helps improve your posture. If you are looking for posture stretching exercises that can help strengthen your core, elongate your muscles, enhance your breathing, and improve your posture, Pilates is a great option!
Strength Training For Posture
When you lift weights, you are actually working against gravity, which helps strengthen your muscles and bones. This can help improve your posture over time. In addition to improving your posture, strength training also has a host of other benefits. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your energy levels, improve balance, reduce the risk of falling, and improve your overall health.
Tai Chi For Posture
It’s true! Tai Chi is excellent posture correction exercise, and you can slowly but surely start to correct any postural issues you might have. And the best part is, it’s a lot of fun and can be done just about anywhere, even in your own home. Just find a good tutorial online.
But Tai Chi isn’t just good for your posture – it has a host of other health benefits as well. For example, Tai Chi is known for its ability to improve balance and coordination. This makes it a great exercise choice for seniors or anyone who wants to improve their overall stability. Tai Chi can also help increase flexibility and range of motion, which is especially beneficial if you’re dealing with joint pain or stiffness.
Good Posture Is Core To Feeling Great
There are several advantages to having good posture, including improved general health and a lower risk of back, neck, and joint discomfort. While many people believe that they must workout or exercise in order to improve their posture, it is crucial to implement excellent posture habits on a daily basis (not just when working out!) in order to reap all the advantages that come with having excellent posture.
Sitting up straight with your shoulders back, taking breaks every hour or so, stretching your muscles, and placing the computer screen at eye level are all good suggestions for improving your work postures. Investing in an ergonomic chair or desk is also beneficial.
When talking on the phone, use a headset or speakerphone to avoid being sedentary, it’s crucial not to sit still throughout this time by getting up frequently. The prevalence of screens in our lives has moved us towards a more sedentary existence, so being aware of how often we spend in front of them is key to addressing good posture.
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