Setting A Solid Foundation

Hello all,
I have been out of the loop for the last 10 years and am coming back in the online world. I will be posting tips on posture and body mechanics to help you remember some of the concepts you learned in your time with Body Stabilization Training. These also may be helpful to those of you who have not been through the program.

Proper posture and body mechanics can give you a new lease on life!

When a building is built, the engineers make sure that the foundation of that building is strong as it supports everything above it. Just as a pyramid has a wide base to support each level above it, as human beings God built us with an amazing “foundation” that is evident the moment we start to stand and walk as babies. Babies don’t think about how they stand or walk, they figure it out by getting upright with their feet under their hips as it is a natural function.

As we grow, we develop habits that see us changing from that initial foundational posture. We emulate our parents’ postures, injuries over the years force us to compensate, and the role models in the world for posture all contribute to those changes. In relation to our hip width, women typically stand with their feet too narrow and men with their feet to wide and turned outward like a duck. Both extremes cause problems in the spine and the joints.

Do you know what is your foundational posture?

Look at your standing posture in front of a mirror. Your feet, knees and hips should be in a straight line on each side, with toes straight forward. Take a yardstick or pole the length of your hips to the ground (turn a broom upside down) and place it at your outer hip on one side straight to the ground. Your outer mid-foot should touch the stick while also touching your hip. Widen or shorten your stance accordingly.
If toes are outward, use your hips to pivot the foot inward to straight.
If toes are inward, use your hips to pivot the foot outward to straight.
In the steps to achieve good posture and alignment, most important is setting the correct base to support your structure. When you have a solid foundation, just as a building does, you have a better opportunity to allow the body to function in the most optimal way.

Next Blog: Weight distribution when Standing