Why Posture is Important
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
When we use the word posture, we often think about the aesthetics of standing tall with our shoulders pulled back and our head held high, but the way in which we hold our body impacts our health more than we might imagine.
It is the musculoskeletal system which maintains posture, with muscles, ligaments and tendons (the soft tissues) working with our joints to control sitting, standing & lying positions. Posture will change throughout the day depending upon our activity, but it is too much of any one thing that can upset the balance. We are designed to move and so spending too much time in one position can often show up as back pain, headaches, reduced energy, tension in the shoulders & neck - and long term, even a reduction in lung capacity & increased risk of falls.
Shifts in posture are common as we move through life and can be influenced by all sorts of factors, including occupation, stress, sleep, the demands of caring for others and our levels of activity. Additionally, as we age the natural loss of muscle mass and strength is one of the biggest impacts on our posture. These life changes influence the muscles of the core, back, hips and shoulders that hold us in alignment. When these areas become overworked, under‑recovered or deconditioned, the body starts to compensate...and that’s when rounded shoulders, forward head posture and increased strain through the lower back begin to creep in.
I see a lot of clients struggling with these symptoms and if you have been for an appointment at Optimal Performance, you will know that an initial consultation will nearly always start with a postural assessment. The purpose of this is not to determine if your posture is ‘good or bad’ but instead to identify which muscles might be shortened/tight and restricting joint movement and which muscles could benefit from being strengthened.
Armed with this information, I personalise your treatment. Massage and manual therapy can be great in helping to ease discomfort, reduce tension & increase range of movement but…. it is only part of the solution. You also need to build strength. The good news is that I can help you target the muscles that support the spine, to keep the body upright and protect long‑term health with a very simple rehab exercise plan.
Key areas for Postural Strength
By building strength in key areas you reduce pain, reintroduce more efficient movement and improve overall health.
The Core
Your core acts as a natural corset for the body. Strong abdominal and deep stabilising muscles help support the spine, reducing stress on the back.
The Upper Back
Exercises that strengthen the upper back and shoulders will pull the shoulders back and encourage a more upright, taller and open position, counteracting the effects of sitting and screen use.
Hip and Glute Strength
Strong glutes and hips help maintain pelvic alignment, which plays a significant role in posture and lower back health.
Balance and Stability
Strength training improves body awareness, coordination and balance, helping you move with greater confidence and reducing the risk of falls.
The Benefits Beyond Standing Taller
Reduced Aches and Pains
Improved muscle strength can help relieve tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back by reducing the strain placed on joints and connective tissues.
Increased Bone Health
Resistance training helps stimulate bone growth and maintain bone density, making it an important tool in reducing the risk of osteoporosis & improving overall joint health.
More Energy
When your body is out of alignment, muscles have to work harder just to keep you upright, often leading to tension, aches, and fatigue. Strength training helps create a stronger support system, allowing you to move more efficiently & giving you back energy.
Improved Mobility
A stronger body moves more efficiently. Strength training helps maintain mobility, flexibility and independence as you age.
For a full postural assessment with treatment & personalised exercise guidance, designed to strengthen the key muscles that support a healthy posture, you can book a postural assessment by quoting ‘posture’ when making your appointment online.
