Improved Posture Leads To Better Health
While it might sound like a bold claim, the simple act of improving your posture really can have a major and positive impact on your life.
According to Harvard University, the consequences of poor posture include trouble breathing, back and neck pain, and even an increased risk of falling in your senior years.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can give your back a boost, even if it’s been a while since you paid attention to a slouchy spine.
Today, bodybuilder and trainer David Dummett shares some simple tips that can make a big difference.
Standing Tall
We often think about our posture in terms of how we sit. The truth is that the way we stand matters, too.
To stand up straight, make sure your chin is parallel to the floor, that your shoulders are back, and that your weight is distributed evenly.
This takes the strain off your muscles and joints and allows your spine to rest in a neutral position.
Plus, you can maximize your height by simply standing up in the right position!
Visit Your Chiropractor
We can devote an entire blog to the benefits of chiropractic care, which includes everything from asthma control and lowered blood pressure to healthier pregnancies and improved range of motion.
Although you will talk to your chiropractor about your medical history, make sure that you have your records handy for his review. (Very Well Health explains that you are entitled to copies of all of your medical records.)
Instead of shoving a large file of papers onto your chiropractor’s desk, request your records in a PDF, which is easier to read and share than Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files.
Bonus tip: if you’ve combined your PDFs but now need to remove a specific page and don’t want to start over from scratch, go here to access a free tool that can be a big help!
Maintain A Stress-Free Lifestyle
Believe it or not, stress can have a severe impact on your musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems.
Stress affects every part of your body and mind and, according to the American Psychological Association, can even tank sexual desire in both males and females.
You already know that money, relationships, and being too busy can cause stress, but you may not realize that your workspace is tugging at you, too.
Look for ways to eliminate anxiety while you work by organizing your document storage system, having plenty of light, and keeping your workplace as neat and tidy as possible.
Exercise
Posture correction is an ongoing process, and there are plenty of exercises you can do to keep your back straight and stretched.
From special stretches to resistance band exercises and yoga poses, Back Intelligence offers plenty of advice and also suggests using a foam roller for self-massage.
Keep in mind, however, that you should not begin any new exercise routine without first consulting with your primary healthcare provider and, if applicable, your chiropractor.
Your posture matters and affects everything from how tall you stand to how likely you are to experience a falling injury in your senior years.
Simple steps, such as reducing stress at home and at work and making sure the chiropractor has all of your health records, are easy ways to improve the way you sit and stand.
Remember, it costs you nothing to pay attention to your posture, but it may cost you everything to ignore it.
David Dummett is a strength and conditioning coach who can help you reach your fitness goals. Reach out today to get started!
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