All true fashionistas know, it’s not what you wear; it’s how you wear it. Two people can look very different in the same outfit based upon their physiology and personal charisma. Posture, how you project yourself and position your body in space within your external environment, is a key factor in appearance. Research indicates that people with straight, tall posture demonstrate more confidence and poise. Do you present yourself with a positive or negative body image? Your posture alone can make or break a first impression.
The social dimension of our bodies is expressed through the shoulders and arms. When someone has shoulders that are rolled forward and crossed arms, they appear closed and unapproachable. This draws negative attention to them, and can lower their self esteem. By simply drawing the shoulders back and standing up straight, this same person can demonstrate a whole new look of confidence and conviction. Think about the last time you saw a runway model strut the latest fashion trends, they always stand with a nice erect posture and keep their heads up as they walk down the runway. To a model, proper posture is as important as a bright smile.
Health comes in the right curves… of the spine that is. Your spine should naturally make an “S” curve (starting at the base of the neck and ending at the lower back). The “S” curve represents health. However, many people in our modern day society present with a “C” curve of their spine. The “C” curve is characteristic of those individuals who have a slouched posture with their shoulders forward and minimal to no contraction of their abdominal muscles. This posture is weak, and contributes to many modern day aches, pains, and health disturbances. Unfortunately, the “C” curve is becoming the societal norm, and our society continues to get sicker and sicker.
Emphasizing good, graceful posture is a win-win lifestyle priority. Not only can proper posture make you look thinner and more elegant in an instant, it contributes to a healthy lifestyle as well. While the “S” curve models are strutting their posture on the runway, the “C” curve employees are sitting in front of a computer at a desk job with slouched posture. Don’t allow the conditions of your environment to control the design of your bodily framework. Just as you would check your hair in the mirror before leaving the house in the morning, check your posture for proper alignment each time you look in the mirror.
To truly become a body-fashionista, it begins with having proper posture. Your body’s vertical posture is the embodiment of your postural stance. Make your presence known, and make a positive first impression when meeting new people. Next time you select the perfect outfit for that special occasion, don’t forget to bring your best posture with you! Don’t waste an outfit with slumped posture; you are selling your appearance and your health short of their full potential.
Written By:
Dr. Krista Burns DC, DrHA, CPS, CPEP
Doctor of Chiropractic
Doctor of Health Administration
Certified Postural Specialist
Co-Founder the American Posture Institute
www.americanpostureinstitute.com
Posture by Design, Not by Circumstance
