Fitness Coach As a health and sports professional, I often find myself paying attention to people's posture and my own posture.
Although it is common that our posture will change with age, in today's world of science and technology, bad posture is becoming more and more common in life-in some cases, the consequences may be very serious.
According to the estimate of the World Health Organization, the lifetime prevalence of low back pain among adults in industrialized countries is about 60% to 70%.
What is the reason for it
Bad posture is one of the main factors leading to neck and back pain, and it is also the primary index of joint degenerative diseases.
"Bad posture will have a negative impact on the way people exercise. Similarly, wrong exercise patterns and dysfunctional muscles can also lead to bad posture. This means that bad posture may be the result or cause of patients' pain and dysfunction. "
Although we may associate bad posture with musculoskeletal problems, the consequences of bad posture can be extended to other systems of the body.
"Bad posture can lead to back or neck pain, which is caused by the pressure on joints and ligaments, because the surrounding muscle tissue can't support various functions of the back and neck, and obesity can also lead to gastrointestinal pain, because hunchback can oppress internal organs.
Body posture can directly reflect a person's current and future health and functional status, but it seems far-fetched. But posture actually reflects our muscle function, spine structure and flexibility, which are all indicators of our health.
When we don't realize the importance of correct posture, bad posture may defeat us. Those who are prone to hunchback when standing, sitting or even walking are also prone to various health conditions, from headache and muscle stiffness to longer-term diseases such as decreased respiratory function.
Maintaining good posture can not only improve a person's appearance and self-esteem, but also reduce the risk of long-term dysfunction caused by arthritis, abnormal joint tension and muscle imbalance.
Slouching posture will reduce the vital capacity of 30%. Persistent bad posture can lead to shallow breathing, shortness of breath and general fatigue. Muscle tension and stress can also limit blood flow to the brain. "
Body posture also has psychological influence, and improving the "possibility" of body posture is the key to improve mood, memory, self-confidence and ability to resist stress.
Another study reminds us that the connection between body and mind is two-way-the body can influence the spirit, just as the spirit can influence the body. When people walk listlessly, they say they feel more depressed and less energetic. In contrast, when they walk in a better posture, they report that they are more energetic and have better eyesight.
Although technology can help, its use will also bring some specific problems. For example, the "technology neck" (also called "SMS neck") means that the neck moves forward or down due to improper placement of mobile phones and computers. Several studies have shown that there is a correlation between cell phone use and neck pain.
Obviously, body posture has a profound influence on our feelings and actions, as well as our health and happiness. Let's take a closer look at what the correct posture is and how to help your customers achieve it.
The correct posture is unique to everyone.
It represents the relationship between the position of the body and gravity, which can create the minimum pressure and maximum support for the bone structure, and at the same time create the ability to complete daily tasks or sports comfortably and easily.
Simply put, correct posture is the most effective way to make your body stand, sit down, walk and exercise.
The key to improving posture
So, how can we help customers establish and maintain the correct posture?
First, you must change your posture every 20 to 30 minutes. Set an alarm clock or start your smartphone or watch to remind you.
If your work or lifestyle requires you to sit most of the day, make sure you have an ergonomic chair, which can keep your head and torso in a relatively neutral position. If there is a choice of vertical workstations, make full use of them.
Urge your customers to change from sitting posture to standing posture, and help them realize the importance of posture change. Exercise is very helpful. Over time, a balanced stretching and strengthening plan will help the muscle groups to achieve the balance necessary to maintain and improve posture.
The importance of good sleeping posture
Because we spend an average of one-third of our life sleeping, the posture we sleep in is as important as the posture we wake up.
Suggestion: Try to find a sleeping position that can support your natural spine curve, such as lying on your side or supine.
Strategic use of pillows can keep the spine neutral and aligned. For example, when sleeping on your side, choose a pillow as deep as your shoulders, so that your head will not be raised or put down, and your neck will not be strained.