Getting to the core of GOOD POSTURE

The majority of us believe to achieve good posture all we need to do is stand up straight, pull our shoulders back and stop slouching; but is it really that simple?

As the saying goes, old habits die hard, and this is especially true given we’re so comfortable with how our bodies have adapted to the environment.

Forming new positions in which to hold ourselves can become challenging at times, so it’s important to build core strength.

Why our core? Core strength works to keep our bodies and spine aligned, in turn making it easier for us to hold what we call “a good posture”.

If our core isn’t strong, other muscles will try to compensate for this, often leading to slouching and poor posture.

However, this could also lead to further, more complicated issues, such as neck and shoulder tension, headaches, lower back pain, restricted movement, uncomfortable chronic aches and pains and an increased chance of injury.

Luckily for us, there are a handful of ways in which you can aid yourself in building this much-needed core strength.

We can begin by growing awareness of our posture and being more mindful of how we hold ourselves; imagine having a balloon attached to your head, pulling you upwards. If you have an office job or spend the majority of your time at a desk, check your ergonomics; is your computer screen at the right height so you’re not hunching over? Is your chair allowing you to sit up straight? Or, perhaps you need a stand-up desk.

You can also increase good posture by strengthening your core with exercise; for example, you can begin by doing at home workouts, gym sessions, Pilates, yoga, or social sporting activities.

The possibilities are endless.

Summer Spikers is a myotherapist at The Health Creation Centre in Ocean Grove.