Local Life - Wigan - October 2020

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The Importance of Posture
Posture is the way we carry and position our body throughout our daily physical activities.
If you have had bad posture for a long time it will feel very
alien at first when you try to correct it, as the body wants
to keep doing what it is used to. However, perseverance,
with regular exercise to strengthen muscle tone, will
result in your posture improving.
For a good seated posture your knees should be slightly
lower than your hips, so you need to position your chair
height accordingly. If you work at a computer, ensure that
the screen is at a comfortable eye level and you are not
having to hunch forward or bend your neck. Sit with your
feet flat on the floor facing forwards, a hip-width apart,
and straighten your back so that your tail bone ‘sticks out’
rather than your back being rounded. Your spine should
form a gentle ‘S’ curve. Finally, make a conscious effort
to lower your shoulders, slightly pushing your shoulder
blades back and down at the same time.
Likewise, your mattress should properly support your
back when you sleep. To check this, notice if your spine is
straight when you lie on your side. If not, it may be time to
change your mattress. Your pillow should also cradle your
neck so that it is in alignment with the spine.
Bad posture not only physically impacts on our body; it
has also been proven to have a detrimental psychological
effect. Charles Darwin first scientifically documented the
link between movement and emotion in his studies.
Always consult your GP if you have any concerns.
You will probably need to do this more than once as we all
tend to naturally carry our shoulders in a rounded position.
Exercise and core stability are important when maintaining
good posture, as muscles weaken and muscle fibres
shorten without regular movement and exercise.
Stretching exercises two or three times a week will help
relieve tension, increase circulation and maintain muscle
condition. Yoga and Pilates are two forms of exercise that
are excellent for improving tone, flexibility and posture.
Ergonomic furniture and aids can help with best posture;
for example, an orthopaedic mattress or a lumbar support
cushion. Always ensure that your furniture supports you.