What is good posture. Good posture is a state of muscular and skeletal balance which protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity, irrespective of the attitude in which these structures are working or resting.
Good posture and the spine. The main feature of good posture is the capacity to flex and extend the spine. A functional spine is a prerequisite for alignment and balance.
An alignment of body segments. For Physical therapists, the erect spine is an alignment of body segments through the line of gravity.
An alignment of energy centres. For Esoteric Buddhist yogis, the erect spine is an alignment of energy centres through an imaginary central channel .
Vertical alignment is the goal. Whether we consider alignment with respect to an imaginary central channel or a line of gravity, we are referring to a balanced alignment of the body described as the upright posture.
Improve your appearance. A relaxed, upright posture (i.e. good posture) looks good. It also feels good.
Increase your feelings of vitality. Good posture is comfortable. Reduced muscle tension liberates energy and increases your feelings of vitality.
Remedy old aches and pains. When injuries are sustained, posture adapts to minimize stress and strain on injured body parts. After the old injury is healed, the adaptation remains and gives rise to new aches and pains. A return to good posture removes them.
Slow down the aging process. You are as old as your spine. Restricted spinal mobility is a characteristic of old age. Its opposite is a sign of the vitality and vigor of youth.
