Gravity, Posture & Movement Patterns
An upright posture is maintained by a series of muscles running up the front and back of the body, crossing all the weight bearing joints and holding them in an erect position. Together they apply an equal and opposite force across the body which opposes the downward force of gravity.
In young children, we frequently see a natural poise and upright posture, together with good movement and co-ordination. As we get older and start to fall into poor postural habits, like slouching and rounding our shoulders, we start using muscles not designed for that purpose to try and hold ourselves upright.
Over years of repetition, the accumulated tension and compression will make you look and feel old, can impair your health and mobility and you will find you no longer have energy to waste.
How do you want to age?
Your posture is a good indicator of how well you will age. When you have good posture, your nerves and body will be able to function the way they are supposed to.
Poor posture over time changes the shape of your spine and affects your health. These changes in the shape of your spine can impair mobility and balance as you age and increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Poor posture leads to decreased health and independence as we age.
Research shows that improving posture equals greater independence and health status as we age and can have a significant effect on reducing pain.
