Stand up Straight!

Modern living has reduced the requirement for people to exert themselves as part of their daily activity. This has lead to the regression of our amazing biomechanical and anotomical structure, which was at its peak in our time as hunter gatherers.
It's ironic that our highly developed manual dexterity has lead to many of us spending the majority of our lives bent over desks!!!
This habitual seated position develops shortened hip flexors, and hamstrings and stresses the spine. Just look at the people around you; our postural develoment is starting to resemble a common chimpanze, for some more than others!;)

In an attempt to slow aging, and to optimise the body we have been blessed with, it is common in today's soceity to see the gym as the answer. Unfortunately, commonly prescribed exercises such as full sit ups and chest press are speading up the degenerative kyphotic process.

The coaches at VIE PT analyse individual posture and structure, activities of daily living and carry out tests for muscle lengthening and strength. Through presecribing a tailored exercise programme, remedial exercises are used to correct postural defects, stretch tight muscles and strengthen the weak muscles.

So what can you do? Follow our 5 tips for better posture.

• Always be aware of your body's position - shoulders back, stomach in!
• Do not sit for more than 20 minutes - get up and walk around to prevent adaptive shortening.
• Include Spinal Extension, Scapula Retraction and External Shoulder Rotation as part of your regular exercise routine.
• Avoid speading up the degenerative process - do not work excessively shortened muscles such as chest and hip flexors, stretch them!
• Footwear - Walk barefoot as much as possible, avoid high heels for long periods.