What are the Benefits of Good Body Alignment / Posture?

• Having good posture can help reduce discomfort, deformity and general fatigue which can be a result of poor body alignment.
• Maintaining good posture is important to ensure your spine can move effectively and efficiently
• Keeping bones and joints in the correct alignment enables muscles to be used properly.
• With proper balance of muscle groups and good joint alignment the muscles work for longer periods of time.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy
• Less overall pain—improved alignment reduces the stress of pressure on vulnerable joints, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and bone structures which prevents the body overworking/overcompensating. Prevents strain or overuse problems
• Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis
• Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions
• Less injury—with your body in proper alignment, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can effortlessly stretch within their full range of motion, and your body can function at its maximum capacity.

With an upright spinal column there is:

• Decreased stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Improved breathing capacity and better circulation.;
• Improved digestion.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain
• Contributes to a good appearance

It is worth just checking out your overall body alignment(shape) to see if there are changes that you might not be aware of. This can provide some signs of changes that have occurred, and then further investigation can be done to learn about these changes and how to remedy things where possible (see spinal alignment issues and posture check insert).

Many barriers / excuses can present themselves which undermine our intentions. There is No Magic Bullet … doing something once or twice is not enough.  Effective results involve learning what is required and then going into action. A major challenge has always involved keeping doing things on a long term basis. To get effective results from exercising we need to recognise that this is an evolving and continual process of learning, adapting and commitment. To achieve any results putting in the time and effort alongside persisting in the activity is required.

One easy way to help yourself is simply… keep checking and readjusting your posture on a daily basis.