In today’s busy world, many of us prioritize work, studies, and other responsibilities, often neglecting our health until life becomes more stable. Once we achieve financial stability and have more time, we start recognizing the importance of maintaining good health. One common issue that brings people to seek my help is posture improvement. But what exactly is posture?
Understanding Posture: Static vs. Dynamic
Posture can be divided into two main categories:
Static and dynamic.
Static posture refers to how you hold yourself when you’re stationary, like sitting or standing. Dynamic posture, on the other hand, is how you maintain alignment while moving.
If you’re young and still have a relatively mobile body, improving posture can be quicker than expected. Often, it’s more about re-educating your mind and body to recognize proper alignment. But how do you start? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Re-Educating Static Posture
One of the simplest ways to begin improving your static posture is by lying on your back. A flat floor provides natural feedback, helping you sense what “straight” feels like for your upper back. However, if you have an excessive anterior pelvic tilt, this alone may not be enough. In such cases, professional assistance may be required.
For some, the issue may stem from limited posterior pelvic mobility. If that’s the case, it’s important to work on increasing that mobility before moving forward. Once you’ve mastered the flat-back position, try standing against a wall to reinforce your alignment. Gradually progress to standing without support.
Step 2: Dynamic Posture Improvement
While static posture is essential, the reality is that our bodies are designed to move. That’s why improving dynamic posture is equally important. It helps counter the bad habits we develop throughout our daily activities.
Start by adding movements with your upper extremities while lying on your back. Once you’re comfortable, move on to exercises that involve the lower body. After you gain confidence with these basic movements, transition to more functional exercises like squats, lunges, and pushing/pulling movements—all while maintaining good posture.
Conclusion
Posture improvement is a journey that involves both static and dynamic elements. By starting with simple techniques like lying on your back to understand proper alignment and progressing to more complex movements, you can develop better posture and prevent future issues. Whether you’re young or older, addressing your posture is crucial for your overall health and well-being. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to ensure you’re on the right path to success.
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