The Importance of Posture and Flexibility

Almost all of us have been told about the importance of keeping fit in terms of walking, running, swimming, cycling or performing a certain number of footsteps a day in order to maintain good cardiovascular function.

However what is not mentioned to us is the importance of maintaining good posture and flexibility.

People who use electronic devices on a regular basis can have a tendency to slump forwards in their posture and following a discipline that encourages good posture can help in this respect.

One recommendation in terms of lifestyle is to find a discipline that will help you maintain good posture and flexibility. You want to find the discipline which agrees with you of which there are many.

These would include practicing martial arts such as aikido, capoeira, tai chi and taekwondo which emphasise smooth body movement and coordination.

Also consider joining a yoga class either by Zoom or in person. I personally like Iyengar Yoga and in Birmingham you can find a class at www.iyengaryoga.uk.com and at www.birminghamyogastudio.org.uk though find a yoga class and teacher that suits you.

Also consider Alexander technique, a discipline used by swimmers and musicians in order to maintain good posture whilst performing their activity.

An Alexander technique teacher I would recommend would be Rowena Knight who can be found at www.alexandertechniquebirmingham.co.uk whilst other teachers can be found at www.alexandertechnique.com/teacher/gb/.

Would be swimmers could consider a course in the Shaw method, a specific type of Alexander technique developed for swimmers at www.artofswimming.com

Another useful resource is osteopathy and here in Birmingham I would recommend Julian Cooper who can be contacted on 0121 777 5757.

Julian can simply and easily remediate your posture and give nutritional advice as regards supplementation and lifestyle.

If you live in another area of the country go to www.osteopathy.org.uk/register-search to find an osteopath near to where you live.

Involvement in any of these disciplines will also teach you the importance of ‘breathing’.

Breathing is something that we all take for granted however in our busy and often sedentary lives we tend to get used to breathing too quickly and not deeply enough.

As you become involved in these disciplines you will find that your breathing pattern becomes calmer and slower. You also then become calmer and slower and more thoughtful and attentive as regards the things that you do.