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health & fitness

The

Posture of

Life

by Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

osture is a term used loosely to Altered positions lead to the body compromising somewhere
describe the body’s position. In health in the chain of motion. We know that the body may take the path
Pand wellness, posture refers to the of least resistance, falling into a slump. Then, the whole body has
body’s anatomical position, particularly when to adapt to this poor positioning and the once developed perfect
it is against gravity. In utero, the fetus is postures now has loopholes. These seemingly easy alterations that
positioned in a C curve. This position puts happen unconsciously go unrecognized. The body falls back toward
the majority of the flexor muscles in the front some of the premature postures. Thus, it is even more important
of the body in a shortened position while the to always strive to achieve the best positioning with good postural
extensor muscles, which are many of our postural muscles, are in muscular awareness. If good postural alignment cannot be achieved
a prolonged stretch. At birth, the now infant has muscles that are at rest, imagine how hard it is to be optimally positioned for
weak and thus are limited in any actual purposeful movement. movements and activities.
Developmental milestones commence. Over time, the baby’s Normal stationary posture is important but we are meant to
curiosity plays a role and the legs, back extend while the shoulder be moving so postural awareness in movement is in fact most
blades retract back taking the muscles and putting those once important. Do not take your body for granted. Like anything, it
stretched extensor muscles in a shortened position to allow for takes nurturing and awareness to flourish!
strengthening to occur. As these muscles gain strength there The more abnormal movement patterns someone develops, the
is a bigger active range of motion setting the stage for precise more difficult it is to maintain. If you look around and see the older
purposeful movements. individual, they start to revert back toward the position in which
Doing things against gravity contributes to the approximation they were born.
of joints and thus allows the muscles to start to develop even It is never too late to improve your posturing and try to avoid
more coordination with each other to create movements for falling backwards into poor postural habits. Keeping the right
desired activities. More strengthening and better alignment occurs muscles strong and counteracting the repetitive patterns used
which in turn allows for progressive postures and alignment. This everyday to maintain or regain strong position sense is ideal. Undo
progression continues throughout the developmental process. the bad things by resetting your muscles at the beginning and end
In a standing position, if muscles coordinate and normal range of each day. Keep the extensors strong to offset faulty habits.
of motion is possible, stationary posture is now actually easy. The If you need help getting to a better place, please call
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head is up, shoulders are back, and so on down the chain to the Fitness Together at (239) 263-9348 (335 14 Avenue South) and
feet. This is ideal. The problem is that there are usually imbalances we can guide you in the right direction.
somewhere. The adopted posters used with phones, iPads, and
laptops cause many to sit slumped with the head forward and
the back vulnerable to imbalances. Certainly over time, these
imbalances can occur from joint and muscle injuries or from
repetitive or compromising postures.
Here’s To Your Health!

Work smarter not harder!

Fitness Together 335 14 Ave South, Naples, FL 34102 239.263.9348 www.FitnessTogether.com/naples
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72 Life in Naples | February 2024