Posture

It's interesting to see how people exercise, everyone is trying very hard to impress the opposite sex (the number 1 reason for going to the gym) by losing weight and improving their appearance.

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Why is good posture important?

Posture is the alignment of the body with respect to the ever present force of gravity. Good posture allows an optimum distribution of this force through our body. This leads to a balanced state of the muscular skeletal system, allowing it to function efficiently and protect against injury or deterioration. Good posture also allows for the optimum positioning of the internal organs which can then perform more effectively.

Back pain, headache, neck stiffness, inflamed joints- have you ever wondered if your aches and pains stem from something you are doing to yourself? Perhaps it is the way you unconsciously tighten your back to sit and stand, or the result of constantly narrowing your shoulders and shortening the muscles in the back of your neck as you deal with the daily pressures of life.

We are all told, from the time that we are little children, to hold ourselves correctly. A good posture is good for your health. Many people grow up with this knowledge but they have never been told why it is so important to carry yourself well.
If the spine is not held straight and we start to slouch, not only is there a physical crowding of the lungs, heart, liver and other major organs, but we can induce spinal problems which can affect the nerve supply to the internal organs.

Although Joe Pilates did not create Standing Pilates, he would have realized the benefits of taking Pilates off the floor and turning it on its feet. Why? Because weightbearing exercises are essential for todayís aging population to prevent osteoporosis. Also, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to prevent prolapse, and to improve our balance, all of which can be affected as we age and by poor posture.

Fashion plays a big part in our lives and the trends which came out of London Fashion Week indicated that the new season's all about high heels, big bags, cool accessories and eye-catching underwear. But have you thought about how you can use the latest designs to become fashionably healthy?