Why is posture important?
Posture adds several benefits to your workout. Correct posture maximizes improvements in your performance. It also reduces strain on your joints, ligaments and muscles, lowering the overall risk of injuries. Likewise, it prevents pain, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. Balance and spine health are also positively impacted when correct posture is used while exercising. Balance is important in and out of the gym. Properly aligning your spine while working out reduces wear and tear on your vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Benefits regarding balance and spine health are huge factors in long term health. Support your body now and you’ll continue to see the long term effects!
Struggling with balance and stability?
Stability can be treated like a continuum. For example, if you are just beginning chest strengthening exercises but are struggling with stability, start with a chest press machine. The machine will restrain movement and allow you to build stability. As your stability increases, try chest flys with cables. This workout requires more individual stability than the machine.
Correct posture may also give you a confidence boost! Working on posture at the gym will translate into your day to day life. Standing and sitting with good posture is a great way to boost your self-confidence!
What can you do to improve your posture?
If you are participating in an exercise and feel like your posture isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to stop your lift and assess your form. Taking a break to assess your posture is going to help you prevent potential harm. Looking in a mirror is a great way to assess your form if you are working out alone. If you are in a group, you may also want to ask someone to watch you. Make sure you are keeping your back straight, shoulders back, and core engaged.
Tips:
Make sure your core muscles are strong and supportive. A strong core supports good posture!
Ensure that you are stretching regularly. Stretching maintains flexibility and prevents muscles from being tight, which can lead to poor posture.
ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal (lww.com)
If you are interested in working with Coach Eve, you can fill our her consultation form here.
Coach Eve is an Exercise Science Major at USF you can learn more about her by visiting her bio page.