Don't roll your eyes at me! Your mother was on to something!
Proper posture does so much for us. First of all it allows our energy, blood and lymph to circulate properly which in turn will keep you healthier. It helps keep bones aligned properly preventing all kinds of inconvenient and even debilitating situations. I for one, find that quite attractive.
More to the point though, try this little exercise (I'm sure you've done it before).
Stand up.
Take note of your natural posture. Now go to a mirror. Resist the urge to modify your posture. We all have a natural tendency to stand up straight when we're in front of the mirror, but is that really what we look like when not faced with our image? Be honest. Stand there with the honest, natural posture you assume throughout most of your day. If you find that difficult, catch yourself off guard during the day, focus on the posture in the middle of doing something and try to keep that posture as you get to the mirror.
Next, stand up straight.
The best tip I can give you for standing up straight is keep your chin down. When you chin is level with the floor it's more difficult to round your back and shoulders and you automatically stand up straighter, your tummy comes in. Your core supports you more when your neck and spine are aligned. They were on to something with that whole, carrying a book on your head thing.
Standing up straight is going to go a long way to presenting an air of confidence and strength. Self assurance, grace and pride. Not to mention everything looks better. You can buy the most expensive clothes but if they're hanging off of a lumpy sofa, they're not going to have a chance.
I will not lie to you. This might be free but it's not easy. Especially if you've developed poor posture over the years. But be aware, be committed, see the difference and stick to it. Eventually you will simply train your body to stand differently.
Chin Chest Belly Boots
There are all kinds of other tricks for changing posture.
Pretend there is a string tied to the bottom of your feet that follows up your spine and out the top of your head. Imagine always keeping that string straight, like you're being pulled up by that string from the top of your head.
Chest out, belly in. Especially for the women. While keeping your chin level to the ground, be proud and lift your chest. Don't just stick it out but really lift, like you want to make sure the top of your breasts are always pointed towards the sky rather than forward. (This is a little exaggeration of course, but the visual will help you get the posture right). When you do that.. whoops! What just happened? Your belly came in! Chin, chest, belly... now for the boots.
Keep your weight evenly distributed between the two feet, flat on the ground, feet under shoulders. Remember we want everything to line up.
Something that will really help you is exercise. Why you will exercise is a whole other topic. But, in terms of posture, working on core muscles through yoga, pilates, swimming, push ups, plank: all will help make good posture easier.
If you've already developed poor posture that is impairing your movement or hurting you, I highly recommend seeing a therapist. My choice is a massage therapist trained in Active Release Therapy. In a short time you should see results and if you therapist is worth their salt, they'll give you great exercises to do at home. My therapist's belief is that if he hasn't gotten you well on your way in 3 sessions, he probably won't be the best to help you and will refer you.... that's the kind of person you're looking for. In January 2010 I had such severe pain in my legs I couldn't walk more than 10 minutes without having pain for 3 days. In September 2011 I ran a half-marathon and never looked back.
Something that will really help you is exercise. Why you will exercise is a whole other topic. But, in terms of posture, working on core muscles through yoga, pilates, swimming, push ups, plank: all will help make good posture easier.
If you've already developed poor posture that is impairing your movement or hurting you, I highly recommend seeing a therapist. My choice is a massage therapist trained in Active Release Therapy. In a short time you should see results and if you therapist is worth their salt, they'll give you great exercises to do at home. My therapist's belief is that if he hasn't gotten you well on your way in 3 sessions, he probably won't be the best to help you and will refer you.... that's the kind of person you're looking for. In January 2010 I had such severe pain in my legs I couldn't walk more than 10 minutes without having pain for 3 days. In September 2011 I ran a half-marathon and never looked back.
Check out this great video with Ms. Ratherly Stern! She puts it all together.
So, remember. People keep looking at you once you've stopped looking at you. Want to put your Best Face Forward? Practice standing up straight and feel the change in your energy. Feel the change in confidence and ...
Be Beautiful!
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