Posture and your Fitness Program - Episode 2

Millions of Americans spend hours upon hours a day slumped in front of their computers. Don’t believe me — look what you’re doing right now! It may be great for your work ethic, but it could be detrimental for your posture.

Why should you care about your posture? Because the way you sit, stand, and move incorporates the function of your muscles and joints. If just one area of your body is too tight, too weak, or injured, your body may begin to adapt to those abnormalities and encourage incorrect movement, throwing your posture out of alignment.

Common causes are sedentary lifestyle, repetitive stress on a joint or muscle, or impact — which can all be treated and/or managed. However, more permanent or severe postural dysfunctions may stem from injuries from an accident, muscular or skeletal conditions, and disease.

The first thing to do to when addressing posture is to identify the area’s on your body that need attention. This can be done through an assessment by a Brides Made Fit certified personal trainer. Next, a specific program designed just for you must be implemented incorporating flexibility techniques, strengthening, and integrated movements.

As you continue through at least 12 weeks of a program, your body will begin to correct itself, allowing for better range of motion, strength, symmetry, and flexibility. You may even notice that some annoying aches and pains have gone away. Addressing posture is essential in optimizing your workouts because it allows your body to work with you — not against you.