What Does Posture Help With and How Can I Fix Mine?

Introduction

“Good posture never goes out of style,” according to image stylist Cindy Ann Peterson. It turns out there's more to the truth to this adage than you may think. And just what does posture help with besides style? It turns out that our posture plays a critical role in many aspects of health, not just our physical but also our mental health.

That’s right, from the way our joints function to how we breathe, and from preventing injuries to our emotional state, posture affects nearly every aspect of our lives. And yet, in our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's all too easy to succumb to poor posture habits. When we slouch over our desks, hunch over our phones, and round our shoulders, we are causing strain on our muscles, joints, ligaments, and even our organs.

Nevertheless, it's not too late to make a change. In this article, we dive into the world of posture and explore what it can do for you. From improved confidence to reduced pain and discomfort, you'll be amazed at the many benefits of good posture. So, sit up tall, pull your shoulders back, and let's get started!

The Benefits of Good Posture

The list of benefits of good posture is extensive, with health benefits that range across both physical and mental wellness. Here are a few examples of what proper posture can do for you:

1. Reduced pain and discomfort

When we improve posture and restore the spine’s natural curves, we help reduce issues like low back pain by reducing the abnormal wearing of the joint surfaces as well as reducing strain on the back muscles. Indeed, we’re able to hold better posture for long periods with good body alignment.

2. Reduced risk of injury

Good posture matters when it comes to avoiding falls and accidents. By tapping into core muscles to help support and balance your body weight, you’re helping reduce the risk of injury by improving your body's natural alignment.

3. Improved, efficient physical function

When we round our upper back, for example, we limit our range of motion and available muscle strength that correct posture affords us. Bad posture impairs the efficient functioning of the musculoskeletal system, whereas proper posture helps improve your body's efficiency and function, allowing you to move with ease and grace.

4. Increased strength and endurance

Similar to above, when we are in the correct posture, we have more efficiency for better endurance. Poor posture creates muscle imbalances across our joints that lead to instability and loss of strength. Good posture requires more of the right muscles to be activated, which in turn leads to increased strength and endurance.

5. Increased flexibility and range of motion

When moving from a standing posture in good alignment, the structures of the body can better coordinate with the brain to allow for better mobility. Many restrictions in range of motion are from imbalanced muscles that can be corrected, allowing you to move more freely and easily.

6. Increased core strength

When we have bad habits of posture, such as rounding in the upper body or swayback, our core muscles have a harder time exhibiting strength. Even holding a sitting position for long periods can create more muscle fatigue sooner than you should because of poor body alignment.

7. Improved sports performance

When we have proper posture, the body can utilize the myofascial and neuromuscular systems in a more coordinated, balanced, and stable way. When out of alignment, the body can use bad habits that show up as power leaks due to less mobility, less stability, and decreased coordination of the body’s movement systems.

8. Increased confidence and self-esteem

Exhibiting closed-off postures has been linked to low confidence and self-esteem in how we show up. When showing open postures (i.e., good posture), we show increased confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more confident and self-assured.

9. Better breathing

When we slouch and allow our head, neck, and chest to collapse, having an immediate negative impact on respiratory function. Good posture, on the other hand, helps us take in more air, leading to improved oxygenation of the body (Zafar, 2018).

10. Increased energy

When you stand up straight, you're using your muscles more efficiently, leaving you feeling less fatigued and more energized. And when you slouch or round your upper body, you are impairing breathing and circulation which leads to less energy.

11. Improved balance, stability, and coordination

When we stand and sit with good posture, our bodies are in alignment, making it easier for our muscles and joints to work together. This can lead to improved balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injury (Ludwig, 2017).

12. Improved digestion

Slouching can put pressure on the organs in our abdomen, impeding digestion. Good posture, on the other hand, helps promote healthy digestion by allowing our organs to function optimally.

13. Reduced stress on joints

Poor posture places unnecessary strain on our muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Good posture, however, reduces this strain, helping to alleviate pain and promote comfort (Sankar, 2016).

14. Improved circulation and cardiovascular fitness

Poor posture can restrict blood flow, but good posture helps improve circulation and cardiovascular fitness. Tight muscles, fascia, and joints don’t allow fluids to pump as efficiently through the body.

15. Improved mood and emotional well-being

Good posture can also have a positive impact on our mental and emotional health. Standing tall and confident can increase self-esteem and boost mood while slouching can lead to feelings of sadness and low energy (Veenstra, 2016).

Common Posture Issues and Solutions

Many of us struggle with poor posture, whether it's due to long hours of sitting, a past injury, or simply not reminding our body of good posture habits. Here are some of the most common posture issues and how to work on them:

Slouching and Rounded Shoulders

Slouching and rounded shoulders can cause neck and back pain, as well as carrying a lot of tension in the traps and upper body. To correct this, learn how to sit and stand tall by positioning your spine upright over your hips with your shoulders back and down. (visual: image of someone slouching vs. standing tall).

Tension headaches

Tension headaches can be caused by poor posture and muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. To alleviate these headaches, learn more about maintaining good posture, stretch regularly, and consider incorporating diaphragmatic breathing techniques into your routine (visual: image of someone with a headache vs. relaxed)

Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Lower Back Pain

We often see anterior pelvic tilt that results in lower back pain, as well as tight muscles and discomfort in the hips and legs. To correct this, make sure you’re not slouching and try standing pigeon-toed to engage your hip flexors while stretching them.

Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain

With forward head posture, the lack of proper alignment in the cervical spine that often comes from prolonged screen time can result in neck pain and headaches. To correct this, be mindful of not only your neck position but how your hips, lumbar and thoracic spine are supporting you, especially in the sitting posture.

To address common posture issues such as these, consider finding a good coach to make posture correction exercises a part of your daily routine. Specific exercises catered to your body can improve alignment, reduce pain and tension, and promote your overall health and wellness. By committing to a consistent practice, you can develop and maintain good posture for a healthier and happier you.

Whole-body, Holistic Approach to Healing

When you’re looking for a solution for your body, you’re best off with a posture program that takes a whole-body, holistic approach to healing. By working with professionals who consider the interplay between the mind, body, and spirit, you’re getting more than just symptom-focused treatment. At Activ8 Posture, we believe that good posture is more than just physical alignment; it is a reflection of one's overall health and well-being.

Our posture therapy program offers individualized programs to address your unique needs and goals. Whether you have chronic pain, a nagging injury that won’t go away, want to optimize health, or you’re looking to improve poor posture habits, our programs are custom-tailored to ensure maximum effectiveness and provide long-lasting results.

By taking an individualized approach to posture correction, we address the root cause of your specific posture issues, rather than simply treating the symptoms. This leads to a more comprehensive and effective solution for our clients.

What makes our posture therapy differ from traditional physical therapy or chiropractic is that they are self-directed and focus on promoting self-awareness and healing through movement and exercise. By taking a whole-body, holistic approach to healing, we offer a unique and effective solution for those seeking to improve their posture, eliminate pain, and improve health.

Unlock Your Potential with Custom Posture Correction Exercises

Now you understand how essential good posture is and the impact it has on how we feel and how we move. Before starting your own posture correction exercises, it’s important that the program is the right fit for you, your body, and your goals. In the best case scenario, you want a program that offers custom programs and individualized plans designed to help guide your progress. Our expert team at Activ8 Posture, for example, works with people to develop a personalized program to match each client’s specific needs for quicker results.

So, if you’re feeling fatigued, experiencing pain, and struggling with everyday physical tasks, you’re not alone and you’re not stuck. We’re here to help. Achieving good posture can improve your circulation and cardiovascular fitness, increase your energy, reduce pain and discomfort, and even reduce the risk of injury.

If you’re looking to get started on posture exercises to help your health goals, don't wait any longer to start feeling your best. The longer you delay taking action, not only can it take you further from achieving your goals but it will leave you wondering why you didn’t start sooner so you could feel better. With guidance and a customized approach, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your body responds, not only in your posture but how you move and feel overall.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, the big takeaway should be that good posture is foundational for our optimal health and wellness. Indeed, our posture has a profound impact on myriad aspects of our physical and mental health, and you’re never too old or too young to start correcting it. With the right posture correction exercises and program designed to help you achieve your goals, you can begin improving your quality of life sooner than later.

At Activ8 Posture, our whole-body, holistic approach to healing gives individualized programs tailored to the specific needs of each client. This helps ensure that you see faster results that are sustainable and lasting. And, if you're ready to start your posture correction journey, we're here to help.

Don’t waste any more time suffering from poor posture, especially not when you have so much to gain by improving it. Take control of your body today and start experiencing the many benefits of good posture for yourself. We believe in you, and we're here to support you every step of the way!