A couple posts ago, I talked about the importance of mobility and movement in our daily lives. As we are generally sitting down more often in our schedules, many of us are likely falling into multiple postural 'traps,' that can cause our connective tissue to create compensations. These adaptations can lead to a slippery slope of joint dysfunction and muscular imbalances. Poor posture can be associated with the following:
- Increased risk of shoulder instability
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Lower confidence
- Increased risk of lung and cardiovascular dysfunction
- Altered proprioception and balance in athletic performance
While posture isn't directly correlated with pain, it can put our bodies in a state of positional stress. Gradual awareness of certain adjustments include:
- Shoulder rolls to prevent our shoulders from moving inward
- Cactus arms by keeping chest lifted which allows optimal breathing capacity for our lungs
- Alternate between arched and rounded spine to work on spinal flexion and extension while seated
- Retract your chin by jutting your head forward, taking your pointer finger and gently push your chin back. This will help to strengthen your cervical flexors.
- Open up your hip flexors by taking your opposite ankle on the opposite knee, creating a figure four pose seated. To add more intensity and core strength, lean your trunk forward
