There is no denying the crucial role posture plays in the health and efficiency of our physical body, mental state. Regardless of whether you spend your days at an office desk, nurture children at home, or compete as an athlete, posture plays a pivotal role in shaping your daily experiences and performance.
From our extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, we have witnessed the profound transformations that proper posture can bring. This includes helping individuals overcome chronic pain, supporting parents who feel physically twisted, or assisting athletes in optimising their performance – posture has consistently proven to be a game-changer.
What is good posture?
What does “good” posture entail? It’s not just about sitting up straight with your shoulders back; it involves nurturing a neutral spine, cultivating body awareness, activating muscles in a balanced manner, developing efficient movement patterns, and more. These elements work together harmoniously to support our bodies, promote alignment and prevent injury.
The contrasting images below depict unbalanced (left) and balanced postures (right). Notice the striking differences in appearance and, more importantly, what you can’t see is how they impact how we feel.
Which posture do you currently relate to the most?
One prevalent postural issue we frequently encounter is rounded shoulders and a hunched upper back (B). This often results from prolonged desk work or extended periods spent looking down at electronic devices. Unfortunately, this posture not only restricts our body’s range of motion but can also lead to neck pain, headaches, and even breathing difficulties.
Each posture manifests as a unique combination of tightness, tension, potential pain, and inefficiencies. Posture is not solely about physical strength; it necessitates a profound understanding of our bodies, its needs, and the support required each day. By regularly checking in with ourselves while seated or standing, we can initiate a shift in the way we hold ourselves.
Multiple interconnected elements that influence posture quality:
- External environment (e.g., desk posture, driving a car)
- Thoughts and emotions
- Breathing
- Fascia and hydration
- Nervous system state
- Muscle tensions and lengths
- Spinal curves
So, how can you proactively shift and support your own posture?
- Start by gaining insight into your imbalances through photos or a comprehensive assessment. This will enable you to pinpoint specific areas that require attention (e.g forward head posture or a hunched back).
- Explore various myofascial release techniques that facilitate the release of tension and tightness in targeted regions of your body.
- Train yourself in proper breathing mechanics and techniques to optimise your nervous system state, trunk stability and blood flow.
- Engage in stability exercises that enhance joint coordination and stability, particularly in the shoulder and hip joints.
- Most importantly, practice daily awareness, exercises and release work.
Posture hack:
As you navigate through your day, envision a gentle string pulling you upwards from the crown of your head, encouraging optimal alignment.
For those wanting to learn more about the basics of posture and how to improve yours, – we are thrilled to introduce our signature “Improve Your Posture” workshop, where you can delve deeper into techniques for assessing your own posture, learn effective fascia and muscle release methods, and gain valuable insights into exercises that foster stable and healthy posture.
When: February 10th 2024
Where: Native State
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
For more information or to book your place for this transformative workshop, click here.
Together, let’s unlock the incredible power of posture and embark on a journey towards enhanced well-being and vitality.
