Standing Posture

Good
One of the most important features of good posture is the natural S-curve of the spine. From the side, you should easily be able to see the threenatural curves in your back.

Straight head, held high Shoulders back Chest out Stomach tucked in Bottom tucked in Feet slightly offset, one in front of the other Knees slightly bent

Bad
When you have poor posture, the body's proper vertical position is out of alignment and the back's natural curves become distorted. Poor standing posture may include these traits:

Tilted head Protruding head (too far forward) Retracted head (too far back) Rounded shoulders Rounded upper back Arched lower back Protruding bottom Distended abdomen Locked knees

Here are some tips for maintaining good standing posture:

• Keep your head directly over your shoulders and your shoulders over your pelvis.
• Tighten your abdominal muscles and tuck in your bottom.
• Place your feet slightly apart with one foot in front of the other.
• Prop one foot up on a box when standing in one place for an extended period. Alternate every 20 minutes.
• Bend your knees just a little bit.
• Move around and take breaks whenever possible - your body can tolerate staying in one position for relatively short periods of time. Although these postural improvements may feel strange at first, you will soon enjoy the adjustments and reap their benefits, from decreased pain to increased energy.