Head neutral, back flat, core tight, shoulders retracted – these are some of the instructions your personal trainer is likely to command. Just don’t take them lightly. Better body positioning on cardio and strength-training equipment will help you maximize each movement and avoid injury.
A lifetime of poor posture can cause pain and start a progression of symptoms. It can start with fatigue, your muscles have to work harder to hold you up if you have poor posture. You waste more energy just moving, leaving you without the extra energy you need to feel good.
Tight, achy muscles in the neck, back, arms and legs? If you are experiencing this, you may have a change in your muscles and ligaments and you may have a stiff, tight painful feeling. More than 80% of adults' neck and back problems are the result of poor posture.
How do some cases of poor posture start? It can start from a few combination things:
- Accidents, injuries and falls
- Poor sleep support (mattress)
- Excessive weight
- Visual or emotional difficulties
- Foot problems or improper shoes
- Weak muscles, muscle imbalance
- Careless sitting, standing, sleeping habits
- Negative self image
- Occupational stress
- Poorly designed work space