Posture

What Does "Bad" Posture Look Like?

While most of us can point out someone else with bad posture, we may not realize it in ourselves. And, even if we do, we may not do anything about it. Poor posture can come from many sources, including incorrect sitting and standing habits, obesity, pregnancy, an improperly arranged work environment, not enough flexibility and weak muscles. Signs that you may have poor posture include:

• Slouching and hunching your shoulders over
• Holding your head and neck forward and/or down
• Arching your lower back too much
• Commonly carrying a heavy purse or backpack on one side of your body
• Sitting on a wallet in your back pant's pocket
• "Holding" your phone between your neck and shoulder
• Slumping forward while seated

How to Get Good Posture Today

While it will take time to adapt your body to naturally assume good posture, you can use these tips to improve your posture today. With a little perseverance, your posture will be back on track (and, remember, modeling proper posture is essential to ensure that your kids have good posture, too!).

Good Posture Tips While Sitting

• Keep both feet flat on the floor (if your feet cannot reach the floor, adjust the chair or use a footrest)
• Align your back with the back of the chair
• Don't slouch or lean forward
• Adjust the chair so your knees are even with your hips, or slightly higher, and your arms are at a 75-90 degree angle at the elbows
• Keep your shoulders straight
• Choose an ergonomic office chair with good back support
• Get up often and stretch

Good Posture Tips While Standing

• Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels
• Let your arms hang naturally by your side
• Keep feet about shoulder-width apart
• Don't lock your knees
• Keep your head level and in line with your neck and spine, not pushed forward
• Keep your shoulders upright and stand up straight

Want to check your posture? Stand with your back to a wall. If your shoulders, bottom and back of head are all touching the wall, then your posture is correct.