Why Good Posture is Essential for Overall Health
Research shows that people with good posture have a better chance of maintaining their body’s natural alignment.
Good posture can help you reduce the risk of injury with an increased range of motion and improve your overall energy levels.
What Happens When You Have Poor Posture
It is important to understand what can happen to your body when you have bad posture. People who have bad posture often report experiencing at least some or all of the following uncomfortable symptoms on a regular basis.
- Back Pain
- Muscle Tension
- Reduced Range of Motion
- Reduced Quality of Life
The symptoms above include some of the negative impacts having poor posture can cause.
People with more inadequate postures tend to report higher incidents of back pain and related discomforts.
Along with increased back pain, having poor posture can lead to muscle tension caused by tight fascia and overworked muscles trying to support your body while it is out of alignment.
An increase in back pain and muscle tension can not only lead to radiating discomfort throughout the body, but it can also lead to a reduced range of motion and, as a result, a reduction in your overall quality of life.
How Poor Posture Affects Your Fitness Workouts
There’s nothing worse than driving to the gym, finding that your favorite elliptical or treadmill machine is available, and then realizing you can’t use it because you can barely move.
This is what can happen when poor posture causes stiffness and muscle pain when your body falls out of alignment.
Below are three common examples of how having poor posture can affect your fitness workouts.
Improper Body Positioning Can Cause Muscle Imbalances During Your Workout
The results of having poor posture can include noticeable imbalances in your muscles. These muscle imbalances can cause certain body parts to feel overworked during your workout sessions.
For example, people with a forward slouching posture may notice increased muscle tension around the chest area when working out and in everyday use. Overuse of the chest muscles can lead to weaker upper back muscles.
Bad Body Alignment and Poor Posture Can Lead to Decreased Range of Motion During Your Workouts
When your body is experiencing a reduced range of motion, you may notice that your joints cannot move through their full range of movement during exercise.
Decreased activity during your workouts can lead to increased muscle tension, pain, lower self-confidence while working out, and increased risk of injury due to improper form.
Having Poor Posture Can Cause Decreased Energy Levels At the Gym
Low energy levels based on poor posture can cause your muscles to overwork. Increased muscle fatigue can cause a decrease in energy levels as your body tries to account for physical imbalances in your form during workouts.
How to Improve Your Posture Naturally in 4 Easy Steps
If you’re worried about improving your posture, there are a few natural and easy ways. Below are examples of how to naturally improve your posture.
#1. Become More Aware of Your Posture
The most important step to improving your posture is to first become aware of it. Make an effort to check in with yourself regularly throughout the day and become aware of how you are sitting, standing, and walking.
Pay close attention to areas where you feel out of alignment and adjust your body movements accordingly when you notice yourself slouching.
#2. Strengthen Your Core Muscles
Your core muscles include the abdominal, back, and hip muscles, which play a critical role in maintaining your posture. Strengthening these muscles can help improve your overall posture and provide added support for your spine.
#3. Stretch!
Stretching out tight muscles is critical for improving your posture. Over-tight muscles can pull your body out of alignment over time. This misalignment will often show up in the body as poor posture, tight muscles, and chronic pain.
Stretch key areas of the body daily to improve your posture. Hip flexor stretches, shoulder and neck rolls, and chest opening stretches can work wonders for your posture and body.
#4. Take Breaks at Regular Intervals
Taking breaks at regular intervals throughout your day is important regardless of whether your job requires manual labor or you to sit at a desk all day.
Loosen tight and stagnant muscles by taking a stretch break or a quick stroll to loosen up stiff joints and muscles.
