Good Sitting Posture – Five Tips To Sit Pain-Free For Hours
1:44 am in Weight Problems by seph
While much attention is given to our active posture, our posture at rest is often more important, especially as this is how significantly more of our time is spent. As such, our aches and pains, as well as our opportunity for improvement, are more available to us during times when we are apparently relaxed. Yet because it seems like our bodies are under fewer demands as we sit or recline, our resting posture receives less attention and effort.
The spine is comprised of two natural arches, an outer curve in the upper back and an inward arch further down. If either curve is not correct, and is not enforced via correct resting posture, then numerous mysterious pains can develop. Also, since this natural support is crucial to efficient bodily function, we will fatigue more easily if it is compromised.
There are several key but simple principles to good sitting posture which must be mastered. Each principle builds upon the others, and disregarding any one will hinder your efforts of attaining the most efficient posture.
First, you should be seated with your head lifted upright and your neck relaxed, not craning or straining at all. Most people unconsciously sit with their heads tilted forward and down while sitting at a desk, especially while working at their computer. Hunching forward puts undo strain on all the muscles in the back causing them to become weaker over time.
The shoulders should also be kept in a relaxed position as if falling away from the ears while your entire spine is vertical, not leaning forward or backward in either direction. When the body is out of its vertical alignment, stress increases on all of the adjacent muscles.
The pelvis should also be tilted forward, thus avoiding pressure on the tail bone which does not support weight well. Shifting your weight forward distributes weight across the hip bones and legs, which are far better at carrying heavy loads. Be sure to take frequent breaks, thus giving these muscles time to recover and increase circulation.
If at all possible, tilt the seat of your chair forward. Not only will this encourage a forward pelvic tilt, but it will also correctly align the spine and re-enforce its natural, supportive structure.
The lower abdomen should be drawn in slightly which gives structural support and also allows for a natural curve in the lumbar spine to help support your weight better.
If you are unable to sit comfortably while keeping the correct posture as described above, begin to do exercises that target these weaker areas, strengthening them and allowing you to sit properly without putting undo strain on the spine and various muscle groups. You might consider investing in an exercise program that specifically
Anyone can improve posture. The next time you sit, pay particular attention to your habits. Notice areas in which you excel, and others that may need work. Also, examine areas where you commonly relax, ensuring that they are conducive to good and healthy posture. By being more aware of these formerly unconscious patterns, you’ll slowly but surely begin to notice improvement and feel much better.
