3 Reasons Posture Is So Important

posture

Assists your joints and muscles
Having proper posture assists in keeping our bones and joints in good alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wear and tear of the joint surfaces that could cause degenerative arthritis and joint pain later in life. Also, it is shown to reduce the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, lowering the chances of injury. Proper posture allows muscles to work more efficiently, which allows your body to use less energy and and lower the chances of fatiguing the muscles. Preventing muscle strain is also a perk to having good posture and will even minimize back pain.

posture 1Healthy spine
It may seem like a simple fix but having correct posture is a very important way to keep a healthy structure in the back and spine. If you are one who’s job requires a lot of sitting or standing for long periods of time, consider having some back support.

If poor posture is not practiced, the anatomy of your spine will start to change and can possibly lead to constricted nerves and poor circulation.

The first step is being aware of good posture. The more you are mindful of your posture, the less likely you will be to fall back into old habits of poor posture.

Makes you look lean, toned and confidentposture 2
Stand in front of a mirror (better yet, have a friend take a picture of you), and observe how you look before and after correcting your posture. You can see that aligning your body in the proper way can give the appearance of losing a couple of pounds and can even make you feel more confident!

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Exercise: Pick a color . . . any color . . . every time you see this color, shift your attention towards your posture. Are you sitting up straight? Are you ears lined up with your shoulders?

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Every time you become aware of having better posture, you are taking important steps towards a much healthier future for your muscles, ligaments and bones!

Published by Dr. Cora T Huitt

Cora T. Huitt, PT, DPT, BCB-PMD ~Thirty seven years of clinical practice, specializing in women's health for fifteen years. ~BS Degree in Allied Health Professions, Ohio State University, '72. ~Master of Arts in College Teaching (MACT) focus in Physical Therapy & Therapeutic Exercise, University of North Carolina, '76. ~ Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Alabama State University, 2010 ~Attended multiple courses offered in Women's Health Physical Therapy, including Pelvic 1, 2, 3 Course in Women's Health Section APTA. ~Member of VPTA and APTA, Women's Health Section. ~BCIA-PMDB Biofeedback- Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. ~Certified Pilates instructor, ProHealth. ~Affiliate member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. ~Member of International Continence Society. ~Member of National Vulvodynia Association. ~Adjunct Clinical Faculty for student affiliation at multiple universities. ~Director of APTA Women's Health Residency since 2007, credentialed in 2008. (only other residency at Duke Unviersity)

6 thoughts on “3 Reasons Posture Is So Important

  1. My spine is terrible postpartum (fractured tailbone, messed up SI joint, and crooked pelvis.) Such a nightmare. Great tips! Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. As a physical therapy student, we learn all about the importance of good posture, yet I am guilty of slouching in almost all of my classes! I always try to challenge myself to be “2 inches taller” throughout the day as a reminder to straighten out my posture.

    Liked by 1 person

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