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the perfect posture

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You may be here because you’ve heard that improving your posture is a good thing to do. I’m here to tell you that is true, but it takes movement and patience to get there. Below is a simple introduction to posture, why it matters and a link to download tips that can be printed and put around your home.


What is posture?

It is the way you hold yourself everyday. It’s the alignment of your bones and joints. It’s also made up of the daily habits you’ve done up to this exact moment. Your posture takes on your habits and movement patterns.


Think about it. If you hunch over a desk for 8 hours a day, lean over a patient constantly, or [insert main daily activity here] your nervous system begins to adapt to see those things as normal (which is what is so beautiful about our brain). So when you leave your job or daily activity and want to do things that don’t involve those kinds of postures, an ache may begin to form because your body wants to be more upright, but it’s used to doing something else. 


Side Example
Side Example
Back Example
Back Example

Take a photo of yourself from the sides and back to view the stacking of your bones. In the side photo, draw a line upwards from the middle of your outer ankle bone. Notice where your body lines up. Is it in front of or behind the line? Does your body make a backward C? From the back, draw a line that lines up with the middle of your spine, and a horizontal line at the bottom of your neck. Is one shoulder higher? Is one further away from the center than the other? These don’t necessarily mean “bad” things, they just tell a story.



However, posture isn’t just how you look in a picture. You should also observe yourself in motion. The way you walk, squat, run, reach with your hands. Sometimes the way you are at rest doesn’t tell the whole story and just because you don’t line up with the line, doesn’t mean you’re in pain or at risk of it. Hopefully by now I am painting the picture that posture is more complicated than you originally thought. This doesn’t mean it isn’t simple to improve.


Why does it matter?

Over time, movement or lack of movement accumulates. Our bodies were made to move. It helps the brain, organs, focus, energy, etc. Your risk of injury can decrease as your posture improves. Also, understand at the same time, you don't have to fit into a "perfect posture" box, or fit the lines in a picture. Each body is unique and as long as you move in a way that cultivates your self expression, and do so without pain bugging you, that's what matters.

 

How do I “fix” it?

Most people think shoulders back and head up.  


“Forcing yourself into the perfect posture doesn’t “fix” the underlying problem, it hides it.” Katy Bowman, Move your DNA


So, instead of shoving the shoulders together, buying those posture harnesses or forcing your head back, ask yourself:


  • How much time do I have to move?

  • What movements do I like?

  • How can I fit some of them within the time frame I have?


Your posture improves as you do movements that retrain your brain and strengthen/lengthen your muscles. Movement is your guide. There is no “easy” fix. It’s movement over time and giving yourself patience and grace. Below is the proof of how far just a few months can get you.


Shoulders less rounded. Head alignment improved.
Shoulders less rounded. Head alignment improved.

Right shoulder has come up and shoulders are more on the back side of the body
Right shoulder has come up and shoulders are more on the back side of the body

I’ve worked with hundreds of students to improve their posture and if you would like to schedule a session with me to discuss your posture, reach out.



Not quite ready and want some tips? Sign up for your posture guide to help you begin today.


May the movement be with you,

B


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