Yes, Good Posture Is That Important

Since it’s natural to adjust your body’s positioning to suit what you’re doing, you may not give posture much thought. Yet, balanced posture may be one of the simplest ways to minimize aches and pains while aiding your overall wellness. 

Yes, good posture is that important, and the team at Doctors United wants to remind you that the efforts you make to balance your posture throughout the day pay off in a big way. This month, we’ll look at the effects posture can have on your body. 

Understanding what posture is

Your body’s posture isn’t simply a way you sit or stand. It’s active, following you through every activity and motion as well as your resting positions. Think of posture as being active or dynamic, and as a constant companion that periodically needs attention. 

Static posture is easy to understand, since we naturally think of posture as “sitting up straight” or “standing at attention.” Dynamic posture is how your body stays balanced and under control while you’re moving. Athletes typically focus on their dynamic posture to develop good form, a type of biomechanics. 

The myth of “proper” posture

There’s no single proper posture that applies to everyone. There’s only a range of postures that’s right for you. 

There’s also no need to be aware of or correct your posture at all times. The way you hold your body also reflects mood and personality, a communication tool of which you might not be aware. 

Posture guidelines

Although your posture is unique to you, and even though your brain handles most posture decisions automatically, you can do a few things to keep your overall posture in better balance. Think of these as posture resets and aim to perform these several times throughout the day: 

• Center your head over your shoulders
• Center your shoulders over your hips
• Keep your feet flat on the floor with knees bent at 90 degrees when sitting
• Keep your feet at the same width as your hips, with most of your weight on the balls of your feet when standing

Squeeze your abdominal muscles gently to activate your core when you reset, as it will help settle your body into its natural “home” position, sitting or standing. 

Why good posture is important

Chronic unbalanced or “bad” posture can lead to a variety of health issues, including: 

• Breathing problems
• Joint and muscle pain
• Inefficient digestion
• Acid reflux
• Urinary incontinence
• Accelerated spinal wear-and-tear

Posture resets provide benefits like: 

• Improved core muscle conditioning
• Fewer aches and pains
• Better physical performance in athletic or work tasks
• Improved balance
• Healthier spine and spinal joints

Contemporary life has plenty of postural challenges, from digital devices that force head-forward viewing, long hours at computer workstations, and frequent standing at factory and service jobs. 

Posture resets can help you counteract the negative effects of these challenges. When you’re suffering the effects of unbalanced posture, contact Doctors United, with five locations in the Bronx, White Plains, Ardsley, and Yonkers, New York. Call the most convenient office directly to book your appointment today.