Why is good posture important?

"Stand up straight!!"...I'm sure you've heard this more than once in your life, whether is was from a parent, teacher, or coach. If someone has said this to you, they aren't nagging you for no reason, although it may seem that way. The importance of good posture is just as important as exercise, good eating habits and an overall healthy lifestyle. The reason is....when you have good posture your muscles, organs, joints and ligaments are properly aligned (as they were originally intended to be). Meaning you receive better oxygen flow and can therefore, perform exercises, homework and EVERYTHING without tiring as quick as you would with bad posture. The thing is that almost 90% of the time we don't even realize we have bad posture; as I sit here and type I just found my shoulders slightly slumped, so you aren't the only one if you find yourself performing bad posture. So we challenge you to spend a week where you are consciously trying to have perfect posture...it may be hard but if you have perfect posture for a week, most likely your brain and muscles will then have you correct yourself when you drop your shoulders while doing your homework in the future. Here are some helpful tips on how to improve and achieve fabulous posture:

When standing - hold your head high, chin firmly forward, shoulders back, chest out, and stomach tucked in to increase your balance.

When sitting - Try to sit up as straight as possible and keep your shoulder back. Ideally, your desk or table top should be at your elbows, adjust the chair or if you can put a book under your feet as a footrest it will help keep pressure off of your back, and keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Get up and stretch frequently--I'm sure your teachers will appreciate that ;)  

When sitting in the car - adjust the seat forward so your knees are higher than your hips. Put a small pillow or cushion in the small of your back (if you can) 

When sleeping - sleep on your side with your knees bent and head supported by a pillow, to make your head level with your spine. Sometimes, it helps to put a flat pillow in between your knees to help align your spine. Or, sleep on your back, avoiding thick pillows under your head. Use a small pillow under your neck instead. Don't sleep on your stomach.

When exercising - If you are using weights, let your legs do the work in order to prevent injury to your lower back. Stand close to the object, then where possible squat down and straddle it. Grasp the object, and slowly lift the load by straightening your legs as you stand up. Carry the object close to your body.

When bending - never twist from the waist and bend forward at the same time. To lift or reach something on the floor, bend the knees while keeping the back straight.