05 Jul The Benefits of Good Posture (Yoga in Hounslow)
The importance of having good posture is vastly underestimated by most of us.
Exercises to correct and improve posture are frequently neglected.
For motivation here are 12 benefits of having good posture.
This post draws from an article written by Jenna Jonaitis for Healthline.com.
To read the original article click here: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/posture-benefits#1
12 BENEFITS OF GOOD POSTURE
1. Reduced low back pain
Sitting or standing in a slouched position for prolonged periods of time stresses your lower back. More specifically, it puts pressure on the posterior structures of the spine, including the intervertebral discs, facet points, ligaments, and muscles.
2. Fewer headaches
Poor posture can contribute to tension headaches, due to increased muscle tension in the back of the neck. Often if we correct our posture, we can reduce muscle tension and improve our headaches.
3. Increased energy levels
When your bones and joints are in correct alignment, it allows the muscles to be used as they’re intended, so you’ll have less fatigue and more energy. In other words, the muscles don’t have to work so hard to do what they’re supposed to do.
4. Less tension in your shoulders and neck
A forward head posture puts strain on the upper back, shoulder, and neck areas. With proper alignment, the joints and ligaments are less stressed and less subject to chronic overuse.
5. Decreased risk of abnormal wearing of the joint surfaces
Crooked sitting and standing, such as resting on one leg or side of your body, leads to hip strain. Your joints wear down naturally over time. If your posture is even, not many problems arise. But if you’re uneven, more pain and issues tend to occur.
6. Increased lung capacity
If you’re slouching, you’re compressing your lungs. If you’re sitting and standing taller, your lungs have more space to expand. In other words, good posture improves your breathing.
7. Improved circulation and digestion
If you’re compressing vital organs, your circulation is poor, and those organs aren’t going to work as well. Healthy blood flow requires proper alignment and avoiding positions which cramp circulation, like crossing your legs.
8. Reduced TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
When we have a forward head position, our mandibular joint and jaw muscles experience stress and tension. This can contribute to pain with eating, talking, yawning, as well as clicking with opening, and headaches.
9. Improved core and scapular strength
Muscular effort is required to maintain good posture. If you’re holding a good posture, your core and upper back muscles will remain active and engaged.
10. Better form during your workouts
Our posture doesn’t just affect us when we’re sitting and standing, but when we’re exercising, too. For example, having an engaged core and neutral spine during a squat will help prevent injury.
11. Appear taller
While it’s icing on the cake, good posture can make us more attractive. People look taller and slimmer when they have good posture. Sometimes it can even make our abdominals appear more defined.
12. Increased self-confidence
Not only can good posture boost your energy levels and reduce your pain, it can also increase your self-esteem. One 2009 study says good posture gives you more confidence in your own thoughts.
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