Stand Up. Stand Out. Stand Tall.
I often get asked, “my kid/parent/spouse’s posture seems to be worsening. What can be done to help?”
First, it’s up to that person to want to make the change.
Second, you can model it yourself with a simple formula that can be done without anyone being the wiser for it!
Drooping or rounded shoulders, a forward leaning head, or rounded upper back is of concern due to the awesome power of gravity and life stressors. But that can all be countered with daily posture corrections in a few easy steps.
So what does ‘good posture’ even mean?!
I prefer to say ‘strong posture’, as that is what it takes to maintain a solid upright position for a long period of time such as when driving, watching TV, working on a computer or eating. The strength must come from your core and thankfully that doesn’t require loads of sit-ups or burpees!
A strong posture can be achieved through the power of your breath and that is something all of us can do easily with just a few key points.
Here’s my formula for a strong posture:
- Create a base of support by pushing down through your feet if you are standing or through your seat/buttocks if you are sitting
- Add a line of pull from the top of your head to the ceiling/ sky to create a lengthening or elongation of your spine
- Relax your shoulders and rib cage down and broaden through your shoulders
- Now it’s time to add the strength by breathing . You want to think of expanding your chest by breathing forward and out.
Once you get the hang of this, it will become quick and effortless and may even help you gain that extra bit of height that you thought you lost !
Check out the video below with the arrows to help visual these tips.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Schuermann’s or Scoliosis, then a good place to start is to work with a physical therapist who is trained in the Schroth Method. A thorough evaluation is key to determine exactly what will be best to achieve that strong and effortless posture.#tallahasseephysicaltherapy #joyoftherapypt #scoliosis #schrothmethod #posture #scoliosistrength #scoliosispt #spine #Schroththerapy #postureexercises
Inquire here about how to get a strong posture