Good posture can make you look 10 years younger

I LOVE good posture. Our Moms were right! But perfect posture doesn’t just look good; it ensures that we are placing the least amount of wear and tear on ALL our joints. Good posture is easy to assess: Can you stand with your back and the back of your head up against the wall? Your lumbar spine naturally curves out away from the wall, keep it just like that and pull your abdominals in, as if you were putting a tight pair of jeans on and trying to keep your belly from getting pinched by the zipper! Hold for 1 min/ day to increase your postural alignment  and core strength. Don’t forget some nice deep breaths:) In other words, Don’t hold your breath! Progress this exercise by rotating your arms, so the backs of your hands rest against the wall. This is illustrated in picture #1 and is a nice stretch for the front of your chest. If that feels too easy, progress the exercise by making snow angels on the wall. (see pictures 2 and 3) Focus on keeping your belly muscles pulled in. REMEMBER! Never do an exercise that causes pain.

Focus your attention on what is happening when you stand up against the wall… your earlobe is lined up with the tip of your shoulder. Have you ever seen someone walking with their head stuck way out from their bodies? This forward head posture causes so much strain on the neck and back. Your head weighs about 7 lbs when properly stacked on your spine. When it drifts forward, because of the force of gravity, it can weigh up to 40 lbs! Say thank you to your wonderful body if your head is up against the wall! Consider going to a physical therapist for some easy exercises if your head is not able to go back against the wall. Now, walk away from the wall, bringing this same upright posture with you. Good posture assures that we have as much distance between joint surfaces as possible and think about it…Space is good for joints! We can have pain if two joint surfaces rub against each other. We can experience pain if our vertebrates are too close together and pinch a nerve. You can even do a little experiment right now. f you are having pain, pull up your center of gravity. Your COG, when standing, is 2 “ below your belly button. If you elevate this COG ¼ of an inch by squeezing your gluts (rear end) and by squeezing your abdominals, can you make a difference in the amount of pain you are experiencing?

When Linc and I were married, our minister, Rev. Dick Allen told the congregation, “The bride asks that you all be seated.” He paused a second and then said, “with perfect posture.”  That was 27 years ago and I still smile to see everyone sit up a little straighter:) I wish you, the best health.