How Important is Posture?

learn and practice good posture to protect your health

“All pathologies begin as altered posture.”  (pathology = disease process)

              ~  Hans Selye, M.D., Nobel Laureate in medicine

“Better than 90% of the energy output of the brain is used to keep us upright from gravity. The more distorted the frame, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism, and healing.”

              ~  Roger Sperry, Ph.D. in brain research, Nobel Laureate in medicine

You heard it from the best, so let’s dig in. Strong posture is the correct alignment of the body, so your bones and muscles can hold you upright against gravity, using the least amount of energy. When we have strong posture, we can function more efficiently with less fatigue and strain on your body.

Often, we over tax our body with weak posture which results in tight, achy, or sore muscles by the end of the day. Stress and strain on your spine leads to additional compromises. Weak posture contributes to a lack of balance, therefore more accidents and falls which result in strained or torn muscles, ligaments, tendons, or worse, broken bones. Weak posture also affects your self-esteem and your overall health and well being may be compromised. Over time your body starts to suffer.

Experiencing strong posture starts with self-awareness. Start by looking at yourself in a full-length mirror. With your feet shoulder width apart and knees relaxed, the weight of your body should be slightly forward over the balls of your feet; your pelvis is placed over your legs; your rib cage securely over your pelvis and abdominal muscles engaged. Your shoulder blades, gently squeezed together; your ears over your shoulders. Eyes straight ahead. Then think of a string attached to the top of your head and it is being pulled to the ceiling. Feel your spine lengthen. Breathe.

Strong posture improves your health and well-being. Start each day with a minute to check your posture. Over time it will become a habit and your spine will thank you. Experience more energy as your body can now use it’s energy for brain power, metabolism, and healing.

Stand tall and be strong!