AS SEEN IN MEN'S FITNESS, THE MAGAZINE
A LETTER FROM STEVE
Posture is used to describe how your body is positioned when you’re sitting, standing, lying down or moving. Can you remember when your parents or teachers told you to sit up straight or stand up tall and proud when you go in for your first interview. Proper posture has been taught and practiced in our culture for hundreds, if not thousands of years.
In spite of the lessons and suggestions from the wise, we are plagued with a back crisis in the world today. People from all walks of life are experiencing more lower back and neck injuries than ever before in history. The frequency of back pain and back surgery is on the rise, including people under the age of 40 years old. Statistically, 9 out of 10 people over the age of 30 years old has experienced back pain at some point in their lives. We are labeling pains as syndromes” like “text neck” and “flat back.”
There are many reasons for the increase in back pain and back surgery with both men and women equally at risk. We’ve become more aware of the need to stay active and participate in movement activities like fitness, aerobics, Cross-Fit and other sports, but we are less active daily than ever before. And it’s not going to get any better. Our technology driven world is part of the culprit, but it’s also the lack of knowledge on how to utilize exercise for the right reason, not just to look good. Posture Perfect™ 2.0 gives you a program to build a better back for life.
Why I created Posture Perfect 2.0
Posture Perfect™ 2.0 was created out of the personal and professional experiences I’ve had dealing with my own back pain that eventually led to having back surgery and the countless client’s who also suffered from back pain.
At the age of 29 yrs old, I had to undergo lower back surgery to repair a herniated disc that was affecting the quality of my personal and professional life. I treated the situation like I was a professional athlete who needed to get back in the game as quickly as possible. I pre and re-rehabilitated myself to full recovery using the same techniques in Posture Perfect™.
After success and feeling grateful for the lesson, I felt I needed to enlighten the world with the techniques I knew that worked. That’s when I created Posture Perfect™ in 2003. This cutting-edge program was received with unanimous favor by fitness industry leaders and educators. I even was features in Men’s Fitness in a seven page spread sharing the knowledge and being nicknamed, “The Posture Pro”.
Benefits Associated with Good Posture
Good posture places you in an alignment where stress is properly distributed to the intended muscles, ligaments and joints. As a result, the muscles are allowed to work efficiently and maintain structural balance, which in turn decreases wear and tear on your discs in your back. Here are some other benefits:
Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
Prevents backache and muscular pain.
Contributes to a good appearance.
Risks Associated with Poor Posture
Poor posture can be due to weak core muscles, which prevent you from holding your torso and hips in proper alignment. It can also be caused by tight muscles, a common issue for those who sit long hours throughout the day. According to the American Chiropractic Association, obesity, pregnancy and wearing high-heeled shoes can also lead to improper posture. Long-term poor posture effects include:
Soreness and pain caused from slouching which isn’t a normal position for the body and causes your muscles to work harder.
Poor circulation.
Negative Mood.
Increased Stress.
Less Motivation.
Poor Digestion.
Fatigue.
Low Sex Drive
Sitting With Perfect Posture
To sit with proper posture, place your feet firmly on the floor with your knees and hips bent to 90 degrees.
Sit up with your back straight and your shoulders back.
All three normal back curves should be present while sitting.
Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips.
Bend your knees at a right angle.
Keep your feet flat on the floor.
Lying With Perfect Posture
Proper posture when you’re lying down is partly dependent on what’s comfortable for you. However, the American Chiropractic Association recommends using a pillow so that your cervical spine is kept in a neutral position and to avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between your legs will help keep proper alignment of your spine. A pillow under your knees when you’re sleeping on your back is ideal.
Posture Perfect 2.0
- No More Back Pain
- Age Gracefully
- Decrease Stress
- Progress-Tracking Online Portal Software
- 6 Weeks
- Appear Confidently
- Stand Tall