How can I improve my posture, which at the moment resembles that of a Zombies?

Answer 1

NewsTarget.com printable article
Originally published May 8 2005
Poor posture at the root of many medical problems, expert says
by Mike Adams

An expert writing on a health-related web site says that poor posture (known clinically as Postural Distortion Syndrome) is at the heart of most health problems in the world's developed nations. "Most of us are operating from positions so far out of ideal that our systems are quite literally breaking down under the strain," she says. The expert says arthritis, digestive problems, headaches, obesity, and even toothaches can often be attributed directly to bad posture.

What is the major contributor to ill-health in all developed nations on the planet?
You see, the human body is meant to function from a position of balance and equilibrium with a place for everything, and everything in its place.
When in optimal alignment, the musculo-skeletal system acts to prevent damage to the more vulnerable internal systems of the body allowing for optimal and stress-free function.
The trouble is, most us are operating from positions so far out of ideal that our systems are quite literally breaking down under the strain.
The problem is that most of us will go through life without ever realizing that many of our aches and pains are effects of poor alignment rather than the causes of illness themselves.
In trying to alleviate our symptoms we'll take medications, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments to achieve temporary respite, yet the problems return.
You see, no medication or treatment can stop the cycle of pain and breakdown caused by PDS.
As long as the cause of your problems exists you'll ALWAYS have the symptoms.
So, let's get to the root of the problem!
Why do we suffer from poor posture?
The lives we lead quite literally shape the bodies we wear.
Provide our bodies with enough activity, water and nutrients and they're capable of withstanding almost anything we put them through.
On the other hand, put the wrong fuel in them and fail to move them often enough and they'll seize up.
Much like a car, or any machine for that matter!
Every system in our body requires movement to aid circulation, energy production and keep our muscles and bones strong enough to fight the effects of gravity.

NewsTarget.com printable article
Originally published March 29 2005
Good posture can lead to a strong back later in life
by Mike Adams

Experts say that poor posture, including slouching, rounding the shoulders, or holding the head too far forward, can lead to serious back discomfort later on. Bruce Nordstrom, chiropractor and owner of Downtown Chiropractic, tells us that it's important to, "...be aware of your posture. It's a conscious habit like anything else." Posture relates to the position in which the spine, which consists of a series of stacked bones, and flexible separating pads called disks, sits. There are many different reasons for poor posture, but a slouched posture is almost always a telltale sign for future back problems.

Arlington resident Michael Jackson avoided back surgery by changing his posture and standing up straighter.
The 41-year-old tried acupuncture, yoga and chiropractic for a herniated disk in his lower back.
It was the treatment of chiropractor Kevin Maggs that ended three years of pain caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting and improper exercising, he says.
The spine consists of a series of bones stacked on top of one another -- seven cervical bones in the neck, 12 thoracic bones in the upper and midback and five lumbar bones in the low back.
"Muscles in the front and back balance each other out," Mr. Nordstrom says.
The shortened muscles need to be stretched and the elongated ones strengthened to bring the muscles back into balance and provide stability to the joints, she says.
For example, a computer user with poor postural habits can develop a forward head carriage from looking at the monitor, causing the muscles in the front of the neck to shorten and the shoulders to become rounded.
Postural problems in the spine are most commonly associated with low back pain, says Dr. Christopher Silveri, spine surgeon for Fair Oaks Orthopedic Associates and chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Inova Fairfax Hospital, both in Fairfax.
The spine in the low back, or the lumbar spine, curves inward and is balanced by the outward curve of the thoracic spine in the upper back, which together form a backward S-curve.
Aerobic conditioning, building muscle strength and maintaining proper body weight also help achieve good posture, Dr. Silveri says.
Arlington resident Kristina Stansel combines Pilates and physical therapy to counter poor posture and whiplash injuries she received from a car accident in 2002.

Answer 2

First of all, look in the mirror facing the mirror and then a side view. Are your shoulders slouched forward? Also is your back somewhat rounded and is your head leaning forward? If so, that is the first thing I would work on. It isn't easy to change your posture as we are so used to the way it is now. I still go back to the "slouch" sitting when I am on the computer. Try sitting with your back straight (chest will be more out) and most important keep your head straight. Put a big book or something under the monitor so you are looking straight at it instead of tilting your head down. It is amazing the difference that can do. It helps you feel better and breathe better. Also, watch others walk-too many walk as though they are going to fall forward. I notice that alot in the high schools. Though a backpack may weigh alot, you would think it would make them appear to fall backward instead. If I recall correctly, your ears should be lined up with the shoulders and the shoulders lined up with the hips.(try walking with a book on your headP). If you can do this a little every day, eventually it will become a habit and not only will your posture improve, but it very likely your health will also. Another thing that really improves the posture if you sit alot is to "not" cross your legs. Oh so difficult, but I am trying. Good luck and I hope this helps you.

Answer 3

Posture, like being pigeon-toed, is one of the few things in your body you can correct through sheer will. I had terrible posture until I was 13 and then I joined a marching band for 6 years and got yelled at for slouching.

All you have to do is stand comfortably with your back against a wall for a while every day, and then try to keep that feeling when you walk around. Walk like you're the $#IT, and keep your shoulders back and down. Don't be stiff-be fluid. Posture is mental, unless you have scholiosis or something.

Walk tall!

Answer 4

Motivation:

If your posture sucks enough you may wind up with aches in your back, and knees and other places. Part of what ails my back arised from poor posture for a period of years. My knees ache occasionally when I lift incorrectly by not having my upper and lower legs aligned right during the movement.

Try to look for a person who seems to have a healthy posture and copy it into your own.

If you notice aches and pains try to note what you are doing or what you were recently doing. Once you notice that a certain posture is bad for you do not use it anymore.

Answer 5

Keeping one's arms by one's sides helps you look less "zombified". If necessary, sit on your hands and your posture will improve no end. Either that, or give up work on health grounds and sue.

Answer 6

Go and have a session with a 'sports injury therapist' (they don't just do sports injury). If you posture has been rubbish for a while you'll probably have some degree of muscle trouble in your back - even if you haven't noticed it. A couple of sessions with Sports Injury bod will have you brightened up in no time.

Answer 7

Since Zombies usually walk totally erect with their spines straight, you must have perfect posture... There should be no need to correct that...

Answer 8

try to conciously hold your shoulders back, or get one of those posture braces, they really help

or have a friend tell you when they see you slouching if you notice it more you can correct it more often

sit in a good supportive chair with lumbar support

Answer 9

you can improve your posture by strengthining your back by doing weight exercises that target your back muscles, that should improve your posture.

Answer 10

Zombioes walk on their heels mostly so you may try to walk less heel toe and walk toes touching the ground first and swing your arms , ombies never swing their arms.