Stand taller for posture month

May 1, 2011 — May is National Correct Posture Month, and it seems mom was even right about standing up straight. Improving your posture is not just about looking good. Studies show people with better posture really are healthier and actually live longer.  

From kids with backpacks or cane-carrying seniors — studies show poor posture is a major cause of back and neck pain for all ages, and over time often contributes to digestive and cardio-pulmonary problems.

Here’s three things to help keep you standing tall:

1. Take an annual posture picture to set the benchmark for your body. Ask a friend to take your picture from the front, back and side. Print them out, one to a sheet, and look at your body symmetry.

Just comparing posture pictures from year to year can be eye-opening. You can assess your alignment by putting a dot between your feet on the front and back view, and at your ankle on the side view. Then, fold each paper in half neatly at the dot.

Front and back view: The two halves of your body should be the same. If your head and/or torso is off to one side, or your arms are hanging differently, your posture is not symmetrical.

Side view: The line from your ankle should pass thru your shoulder and ear. If your head is way forward of that line, you may have a posture distortion called forward head posture (FHP).

File your posture picture and compare it to a new one next year.

2. Do posture strengthening exercises to maximize the benefit of any workout, or as a beginning exercise to get in shape. Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Pilates are all great for building body awareness and control.

Best posture stork: Train yourself to stand tall while building good posture by balancing on one foot.  First, stand tall with your best posture and then focus on staying tall and straight as you lift your thigh so your knee is at hip height.  Keep standing tall for 30 seconds on each side, focusing on keeping your body well aligned.

Vertical wall stand: Back up to a wall so your heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head all lightly touch the wall while you keep everything level, relaxed and aligned — and take three slow breaths, feeling your body’s best posture. Note: If you feel any areas of stress, get your posture checked by a professional.

3. Choose smart posture habits, Get a good chair, and change it’s position during the day. If you’re going to play videogames, exercise more than your thumbs with games with one that makes you move such as the motion sensing videogame consoles.

Invest in quality shoes, and consider using a shoe insert or orthotic, especially if you’ve had foot problems.

If you have back pain, neck soreness, or other posture problem — or want to find out how strengthening your posture can improve sports performance (ie golf, tennis, baseball) and wellness — help is available. Consult a certified posture exercise professional or other chiropractor, PT, or massage therapists trained to analyze posture pictures and teach individualized posture exercise routines for pain management and wellness.

Your posture is how the world sees you, and a bit of effort at strengthening your posture is an anti-aging habit to make you look and feel better, avoid injury and exercise effectively to stay active and age well.

Source: Dr. Steven Weiniger, www.bodyzone.com