Psychological Aspect
We know that smiling is a cue to openness and receptivity, but did you know that posture and body language can also describe a lot about you? Posture sends powerful psychological signals. 21 The following list of postures and movements will give you an idea of what kind of message you are sending to others:
- Forward lean = attentiveness 10
- Drawing back or turning away = negative, refusing 10
- Expansion = proud, conceited, arrogant 10
- Forward-leaning trunk, bowed head, drooping shoulders, and sunken chest = depressed, downcast, dejected 10
- Slumping = apology 21
- Standing on one leg = pushover 21
- Standing evenly on both legs = forcefulness 21
- Head tilt and shoulder shrug = shy, submissive 21
- Jittery movements = fear 21
- Looking away = insecurity, dishonesty 21
"I raised my body erect again as one should walk, though my thoughts remained bowed down and shrunken." - Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy, Canto XII10
Social Aspect
There are many social ramifications associated with posture. Postures frequently express attitudes, feelings and moods.10 Body language influences many situations. Did you know that you stand a better chance of obtaining a new job if you display good posture during the interview? Proper posture commands power and respect22; it exudes confidence and high self-esteem. A study has actually found that good, confident posture is as important as body build when judging attractiveness.21 Posture plays such a crucial role to models and athletes, as well, and could be the difference between winning and losing. It's no secret that posture is associated with beauty and grace.13 So, don't just strive for good posture, strive for great posture!
In general, there is a relationship between posture and health.13 But, what you may not realize is that you can instantly enhance your appearance - not just health - by improving your posture. Next time you walk by that guy with his tummy sucked in, pay attention to his posture. He's not just trying to impress you, he is also showing you how man (and woman) is meant to stand. (Give him a wink to acknowledge the great advice!) If you want to attract the opposite sex, proper posture will definitely help. Soon you'll hear guys whispering, " Hey, check out her posture!"
References
1. Banfield, M. A. The posture theory, 7th ed. ISBN 0 9589015 8 9
2. Chek, P. Advanced program design correspondence course. C.H.E.K. Institute. 1999.
3. Chek, P. Scientific core conditioning correspondence course. C.H.E.K. Institute. 1998.
4. Chek, P. Your healthy back - chek list. Muscle Media, Inc. April, 1998; 67: 132-41.
5. Clay, J. H. Posture alignment therapy. The Pain & Posture Clinic. http://www.danke.com/Orthodoc/post3.html
6. Clay, J. H. Why do women have more hip problems than men do (including hip replacement surgeries!)? http://www.danke.com/Orthodoc/posture-hips.htm
7. Dayaram, E. The Alexander Technique. Hypersite Publishing Ltd. 1999.
8. De Mond, T. & Love, C. The perfect start: Assessment. SPRI Products, Inc. Buffalo Grove, Il.
9. Franklin, M. E., & Conner-Kerr, T. An analysis of posture and back pain in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. Sept.,1998; 28(3): 133-8.
10. Givens, D. B. Bowing head posture. Center for Nonverbal Studies. 1999. http://members.aol.com/doder1/posture1.htm
11. Hodrosky, R. M. Pain management: Maintaining good posture. Department of Physical Therapy, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
12. Hughes, R. E., Johnson, M. E., O'Driscoll, S. W., & An, K. N. Normative values of agonist-antagonist shoulder strength ratios of adults aged 20-78 years. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Oct, 1999; 80(10): 1324-6.
13. Jarrett, B. A. Posture Control Orthotics. http://www.pcopco.com/_Posture_Control_Orthotics__Po/_posture_control_orthotics__po.html
14. Jensen, C., Borg, V., Finsen, L., Hansen, K., Juul-Kristensen, B., & Christensen, H. Job demands, muscle activity and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to work with the computer mouse. Scand J Work Environ Health. Oct, 1998; 24(5): 418-24.
15. Kariqvist, L. K., Bernmark, E., Ekenvall, L., Hagberg, M., Isaksson, A. & Rosto, T. Computer mouse position as a determinant of posture, muscular load and perceived exertion. Scand J Work Environ Health. Feb, 1998; 24(1): 62-73.
16. Kendall, F. P., McCreary, E. K., & Provance, P. G. Muscles testing and function (4th ed.) with posture and pain. Williams & Wilkins. 1993.
17. Kita, I., Sakamoto, M., Ryushi, T., Aihara, Y., & Arita, H. Dynamics of human cardiorespiratory responses to standing on one leg with eyes closed. Eur J Appl Physiol. 1998; 77(1-2): 60-5.
18. Linder, M., & Saltzman, C. L. A history of medical scientists on high heels. Int J Health Serv. 1998; 28(2): 201-25.
19. Living Rite. Body Rite Posture Pleaser.
20. Luoma, T. C. TC Talks. Muscle Media 2000, Inc. Dec, 1996; 55: 50-4.
21. Peacock, M. No slouch. Women.com Networks. http://www.womenswire.com/image/posture.html
22. Richardson, T. Poise and appearance for African-American women. 1996.
23. Roman, D., Bugajska, J. & Konarska, M. Characteristic of Muscular Load in Computer Data Entry Workers Assessed by EMG and Postural Angles. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 1996; 2(2): 128-136.
24. Shirazi-Adl, A., & Parnianpour, M. Effect of changes in lordosis on mechanics of the lumbar spine-lumber curvature in lifting. J Spinal Disord. Oct, 1999; 12(5): 436-47.
25. Sinaki, M. Musculoskeletal challenges of osteoporosis. Aging (Milano). June, 1998; 10(3): 249-62.
26. Stanten, M. Develop better posture. Prevention Magazine. 1999. http://www.healthyideas.com/weight/gym/more/980701.gym2.html
27. Treva's. If large breasts are your problem. http://www.trevas.com/
28. Zacharkow, D. Sitting posture: The overlooked factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. Zachback International, 1999. http://www.zackback.com/healthy.htm
John Paul Catanzaro is a Certified Kinesiologist and Professional Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant with a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. He owns and operates a private studio in Toronto, Ontario providing personal fitness training and nutritional consulting services. John Paul has appeared on television, and has written articles for various magazines and newsletters. For additional information visit his website at http://www.bodyessence.ca or call (416) 292-4356. | |
