One of my first clients was almost 6 feet tall with larger than average sixed chest. She also had the beginning of kyphosis, an outward curve in her upper back and neck. Otherwise known as a hump neck. We discovered that she felt very uncomfortable "sticking her chest up" her whole life. Although very understandable, this behavior resulted poor posture, a lack of confidence, and damage to her spine. Within a few short weeks of being mindful of her posture, we started to reverse the kyphosis and she looked soo much more confident!

 

Eventually we all experience back, neck, or shoulder pain. The pain could be a result of all kinds of injuries, accidents, or congenital conditions. Proper posture can help alleviate pain and discomfort from prior injuries and can also prevent new injuries from occurring.

Posture is the foundation of every movement you make. Your posture will determine how your body will deal with the forces you put on it daily. Walking, jumping, twisting, and even typing are all effected by your posture.

 

Initially, remembering to maintain good posture can be difficult. As a young boy, I was told to stand up talk, chest up, chin up often. In the last few yrs I've heard a lot of people, especially women, tell me they were never told to walk with with their chest up, head up. For them, developing a good habit of posture requires breaking a decade long habit of slouching.

 

Maintaining proper posture is the safest and most effective way to execute task such as lifting weights, moving furniture and running. Bad posture will often lead to injuries and decreased range of motion. Next thing you know reaching for items on the top of the refrigerator or picking up a pencil becomes difficult.

 

 

Just check out this list of long term effects from bad posture.

Back, neck, and shoulder pain

Tension headaches and jaw pain

Misaligned spine and hips

Decreased circulation

Decreased lung function

ect, ect, ect...

If postural imbalances are not corrected it will eventually lead to pain, which in turns lowers the quality of a person's life.

 

Remember

Chin Up

Chest Up

Tight Lower Back

Knees Slightly Bent

(if you train with me, those are the cues you will hear the most)

If you can keep those things in mind it will help you improve so many key aspects to your life.

 

P.S. We go over these things in greater detail on facebook LIVE and in our Mindful Workouts & Nutrition series. If you are interested in learning more then check us out on FB! Also, feel free to ask any and all questions.

 

Donta Finney

B.S. Rehabilitation Services
ISSA Certified Trainer
Specialist In Sports Nutrition
6th Dan Kar-Do-Jitsu Ryu
Former Lv. 1 CrossFit Trainer