Stand Taller for Posture Month
Are you a Professional? We have a plan to help promote your practice! Visit PostureMonth.org to get a free Posture Month Toolkit for Health and Fitness Pros!
Doctors, therapists and trainers can also post a directory listing to offer posture checks during Posture Awareness Month.
May is National Correct Posture Month and it seems mom was even right about standing up straight. From athletes like Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton who works with a postural alignment therapist to the thousands of people with back pain and muscle aches being helped by Certified Posture Exercise Professionals, strengthening posture is important. 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.
3 Steps to Keep you Standing Tall for Correct Posture Month
1. Take a posture picture
- 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 & 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. Begin Posture Strengthening Exercises to maximize the benefit of any workout, or as a beginning exercise to correct posture.
- StrongPosture Exercise, Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates are all great for building body awareness and control. (See the StrongPosture program in Stand Taller Live Longer, A Posture & Anti-Aging Strategy. In the first exercises Dr. Weiniger recommend the Stork for strengthening balance and WallStand to strengthen alignment.
- 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 WALLSTAND: 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 3 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. Try a chair support that moves with you and supports from beneath.
- 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 health or fitness professional like a chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, athletic trainer - or other pro 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.
Join us for the 31 Day Posture Challenge - where every day of May is a national posture day!