Posture Fact and Fiction

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Do you get frustrated trying to fix your posture?

I hear lots of excuses...
I'm too old to change...I've been trying for years and it doesn't work...I'm just like this because my mother stands the same way...it's always uncomfortable and I can't maintain it.

Have you ever thought any of these things?  If so, consider for a moment that maybe the problem isn't YOU at all. 

The problem might simply be your APPROACH or MINDSET...the way you're thinking about posture.

What does "good posture" mean to you?  What do you think is necessary to have it?

Here are some common misconceptions about posture:

  • There's one correct position that must be held as much as possible

  • You must pull your shoulders back

  • Good posture requires willpower

  • It something you're born with or not

  • It's genetic

  • You need to be a dancer or althlete to have it

  • Past a certain age, posture can't be changed

And here are some perhaps lesser-known facts...

Improving posture entails...

  • Staying relaxed and breathing easily

  • The whole body in balance, (not just adjusting the shoulders, chest, or head)

  • Heightened mindfulness, body awarness, and presence

  • A mindset in which you believe you can change habits (much more important than age or fitness level)

  • Staying process-oriented (Not looking for a "quick fix").

  • An approach that personalized (not one-size-fits-all)

And here's something you can try today to help get you into a mindset that's condusive to changing your posture...The best way to start is to begin observing what's going on.

If you're involved in an activity for an extended period of time...let's say working at the computer (or phone/tablet), talking on the phone, going for a walk, or preparing a meal...

Set timers to alert you every 10, 15, or 30 minutes to see what you notice about how you're holding your body or moving.

Here are a few things to observe when the alarm goes off.

1. Are you sensing your body at all? Are you totally absorbed in your thoughts or engrossed in an activity or your surroundings?
2. Notice the position of your head (the head weighs 10-12 lbs and has a significant influence on posture.
3. Where has your weight shifted? Is it mostly to one side of your body? Forward? Back?
4. Does your breathing feel easy or restricted?
5. Do you notice excess tension anywhere?
6. What's your general mood?

If you start to notice what's happening in the first place, you'll be better prepared to start to make changes. If you find it's hard to notice at all, then that's a very useful thing to observe and isn't cause for dispair...

You'll likely progress more quickly if you begin with a curious attitude and avoid the trap of trying to get it right. Trying too hard to get things right is actually one of the number one causes of poor posture!

Want to learn more and start getting some personalized instruction? Click here to learn more.