Posture: The Biomechanics Of Movement

Have you ever spared a moment to think about this wonderful body that we call our own? Do you take for granted how it works? Do you misuse it often and what do you do to it when it starts protesting? Your body has a way of getting back at you when things go out of control. But this article should be able to help you understand how you can treat your body with respect so that it never fails you.

The base of most of your movement lies in the backbone. It keeps us erect and through the evolutions has done a wonderful job. But do not, for a moment forget what it was there for in the first place: to stay erect and ramrod straight. There are normal curves in the back, which allow for natural arches, movement and comfort. An outward curve in the thoracic or chest area to take the weight of the head, an inward curve in the lumbar or lower back area to take the weight of the body and a slightly more outward curve in the lower most curve of the spine to keep the balance intact.

What can happen?

Bent over or rounded shoulders will cause the upper back muscles to over stretch, leading to discomfort in the upper body. This malfunction, with the chest caved in, can also impact your breathing capacity due to the lungs' inability to take in its full capacity of air. This lack of intake of oxygen can make you sluggish and lethargic without you even knowing it.

An excessive arch in the lower back can lead to or be caused by the weak muscles in that region resulting in improper posture. This reciprocal effect can be the cause of a number of ailments, which can lead to lifetime visits to the doctor, if not checked in time. This pain in the butt can be corrected with awareness and proper guidance.

The right way to go about it

As you move, sit or stand to do any job, you have to be aware of the back's intricate and wonderful ways of keeping the head in place and the body, erect. Any misuse will cause a chink in the body's armor and this will slowly but surely give way at some point or another, during stress or strain, causing discomfort and pain or injury and damage. The best way to go about your business is to respect the body so that it functions with maximum efficiency.

Here are some tips to help you correct those chinks that have been clinking!

• Keep your head in the center of your body, not too far forward or back nor tilted to any one side for too long.
• Align the shoulders so that they sit square to each other.
• Keep the center of the ribcage pointing lightly upwards to ensure an adequate intake of oxygen.
• This will mean that your shoulders cannot round themselves too much, keeping your shoulder blades relaxed and down.
• This will also force you to increase the area in the mid-section, straightening the back and elongating the abdominal muscles. This will keep that long and troublesome belly in place, not allowing it to slacken and bulge.
• Ever so slightly tighten your buttocks so that your lower back maintains a natural rather than an excessive arch.
• When you pick up something heavy, make sure you bend from your knees or hips. Do not let the tummy muscles slacken, which will make you prone to injury in the lower back.
• The center of the body is the mid section that helps keep the body in its upright posture. The muscles in the back -- the abdominal and the oblique -- should be lightly but surely tightened to keep the main structure from collapsing.
• As you walk, run or just stand around doing nothing, think of elongating yourself like a towering edifice, keeping back straight, tummy tucked in and shoulders relaxed and backwards.

Following these tips will ensure that your body moves correctly and functions with maximum efficiency.