02.04.2015 Views

6v87YgFhU

6v87YgFhU

6v87YgFhU

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

30 Days to a better man<br />

What Is Good Posture?<br />

Contrary to your third grade teacher, good posture does not require you<br />

to look like a stiff piece of board. Good posture involves having a relaxed<br />

appearance and a “neutral spine.” A neutral spine retains three natural<br />

curves: a small hollow at the base of the neck, a small roundness at the<br />

middle back, and a small hollow in the lower back. Many people overcompensate<br />

for bad posture by standing too straight, thus eliminating the<br />

natural curves of the spine.<br />

When our posture is correct, the ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles<br />

should align in one straight line. To give you a mental image of what<br />

good posture looks like, imagine hanging a plumb line from your earlobe.<br />

If your posture is correct, the line would hang straight to the middle of<br />

the anklebone.<br />

If you’re not a mental imagery kind of guy, perform this “wall test.” Stand<br />

with head, shoulders, and back against the wall and your heels about 5-6<br />

inches forward. Draw in the lower abdominal muscles, decreasing the<br />

arch in your lower back. Push away from the wall and try to maintain this<br />

upright, vertical alignment. That’s good posture.<br />

140

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!