“Good posture is the one most important thing anybody can do now to look better.” -Helen Gurley Brown (1922 - 2012)
“Think of good posture as your body’s projection of a positive message to those you meet.” -Author Unknown
“The Kraken was somewhat obsessed with posture. As for Lily, she barely gave it a second thought. In her opinion, it was better to read books than balance them. That’s what they were designed for, after all. And if you wanted to wear something on your head, there was a perfectly good item designed for that too: it was called a hat.” -Peter Bunzl: “Cogheart” (1 September 2016)
“Our nonverbal behavior (including posture) gives away our inner personality and reflects our inner attitude.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly level.” -Max L. Forman (Max Leon Forman (1909 - 1990))
Posture and Gait Facts
- Posture is the position in which a person holds his or her body.
- Posture is assumed in standing, walking, sitting, and in positions for activities such as work and athletics.
- Gait is the manner or style of walking of a person.
- Gait is standing posture plus movement of the arms, legs, torso, and entire body during walking, to remain balanced in an upright position while covering distance.
- Physical exercise to strengthen muscles and improve motor skills can help correct bad posture and gait.
- Posture and gait can be improved through learning and practice.
“By adopting a certain physical posture, a resonant chord is struck in spirit.” -Bruce Lee (pseudonym of Lee Jun Fan (1940 - 1973))
“I have very bad posture.” -Kurt Cobain (Kurt Donald Cobain (1967 - 1994))
Tips to Improve Posture and Gait
- Stand or sit in a chair in front of a mirror and practice good posture.
- Do regular and varied exercises to help strengthen the back and other body areas.
- Take periodic breaks to walk and move around and stretch, especially when staying seated, standing, or in other positions for long periods of time.
- Move head to look away from computer screens and other devices periodically, to reduce strain from holding body continually in one position.
- Study other people’s posture as they sit, stand, walk, and are in other positions.
- Read any available information about posture and gait.
- Talk to knowledgeable people about posture and gait, as for example, doctors and sports coaches.
“Great posture never goes out of style.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“If you stand at all, stand tall.” -James I (1566 - 1625)
Tips for Good Standing Posture
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.
- Bend the knees slightly, but do not lock them.
- Keep back straight.
- Hold shoulders back and relaxed.
- Keep arms and hands relaxed and still at sides.
- The ears should be directly above the shoulders, which are directly above the hips, knees, and ankles, with all features forming a straight, vertical line.
“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” -Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
Tips for Good Sitting Posture
- Keep the back straight.
- Keep shoulders back and down.
- The soles of the feet should be flat on the floor.
- Crossing the legs for long periods of time can obstruct circulation, possibly causing swollen legs and contributing to varicose veins.
“Sit up straight, listen, and participate.” -Pat Summit
“Think of good posture as your body’s projection of a positive message to those you meet.” -Author Unknown
“The Kraken was somewhat obsessed with posture. As for Lily, she barely gave it a second thought. In her opinion, it was better to read books than balance them. That’s what they were designed for, after all. And if you wanted to wear something on your head, there was a perfectly good item designed for that too: it was called a hat.” -Peter Bunzl: “Cogheart” (1 September 2016)
“Our nonverbal behavior (including posture) gives away our inner personality and reflects our inner attitude.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly level.” -Max L. Forman (Max Leon Forman (1909 - 1990))
Posture and Gait Facts
- Posture is the position in which a person holds his or her body.
- Posture is assumed in standing, walking, sitting, and in positions for activities such as work and athletics.
- Gait is the manner or style of walking of a person.
- Gait is standing posture plus movement of the arms, legs, torso, and entire body during walking, to remain balanced in an upright position while covering distance.
- Physical exercise to strengthen muscles and improve motor skills can help correct bad posture and gait.
- Posture and gait can be improved through learning and practice.
“By adopting a certain physical posture, a resonant chord is struck in spirit.” -Bruce Lee (pseudonym of Lee Jun Fan (1940 - 1973))
“I have very bad posture.” -Kurt Cobain (Kurt Donald Cobain (1967 - 1994))
Tips to Improve Posture and Gait
- Stand or sit in a chair in front of a mirror and practice good posture.
- Do regular and varied exercises to help strengthen the back and other body areas.
- Take periodic breaks to walk and move around and stretch, especially when staying seated, standing, or in other positions for long periods of time.
- Move head to look away from computer screens and other devices periodically, to reduce strain from holding body continually in one position.
- Study other people’s posture as they sit, stand, walk, and are in other positions.
- Read any available information about posture and gait.
- Talk to knowledgeable people about posture and gait, as for example, doctors and sports coaches.
“Great posture never goes out of style.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“If you stand at all, stand tall.” -James I (1566 - 1625)
Tips for Good Standing Posture
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.
- Bend the knees slightly, but do not lock them.
- Keep back straight.
- Hold shoulders back and relaxed.
- Keep arms and hands relaxed and still at sides.
- The ears should be directly above the shoulders, which are directly above the hips, knees, and ankles, with all features forming a straight, vertical line.
“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” -Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
Tips for Good Sitting Posture
- Keep the back straight.
- Keep shoulders back and down.
- The soles of the feet should be flat on the floor.
- Crossing the legs for long periods of time can obstruct circulation, possibly causing swollen legs and contributing to varicose veins.
“Sit up straight, listen, and participate.” -Pat Summit
“Even if your posture has been a problem for years, it’s possible to make improvements. Rounded shoulders and a hunched stance may seem like they’re set in stone by the time we reach a certain age, and you may feel you’ve missed the boat for better posture. But there’s a good chance you can still stand up taller.” -Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School: “Is It Too Late to Save Your Posture?” (1 December 2019) at https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-too-late-to-save-your-posture
“Posture is paramount.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“My posture has changed. I walk with my head down and shoulders slumped. Suddenly I carry myself as if I’m ashamed of something.” -Randy Harrison
Tips for Good Walking Posture
- Keep the head and neck straight.
- Step with the heel of the foot first and then move to the toes.
- Keep at a comfortable space between steps, striding neither with steps exaggeratedly too long or too short.
“Always walk with style and finesse.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Healthy posture is based on natural positions that balance and support your skeletal system’s curves and weight-bearing abilities against the force of gravity.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“People don’t realize that when they ‘throw out’ their back, it’s often because of weak abs. These muscles are essential for lower-back strength and good posture.” -Sylvester Stallone
“If you’re a fish, and you want to be a fish stick, you must have very good posture.” -Mitch Hedberg (Mitchell Lee ‘Mitch’ Hedberg (1968 - 2005))
“Stress can also lead to poor posture because it causes you to breathe more shallowly, which leads to slumping.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Never bend your head! Always hold it high! Look the world straight in the face!” -Helen Keller (Helen Adams Keller (1880 - 1968)), speaking to a five-year-old child
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l i v e ☆ l e a r n ツ www.MakeFunOfLife.net ♥ l o v e ☼ l a u g h
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The Way to Walk
It is a well-known fact that very few people know how to walk properly. Walking, when one knows how, is not fatiguing, as most people think. On the other hand, it is relaxing, because it brings into play almost all the muscles in the body. Here’s how.
Stand at attention with your shoulders thrown well back, your head up, and your arms straight at your side. Now step forward with the right leg, the heel of the foot striking the ground first; then another step, bringing the left foot directly into line with the right. Don’t try to take large steps. Walk just as naturally as possible, with your arms swinging loosely and your legs working from the hips.
If you keep your back straight and your head pushed back as if you were trying to touch an imaginary wall with it, you’ll find your posture improving greatly. If you don’t do anything else, avoid the habit of stooping. It is bad for the figure and it prevents free action in the arms.
Walk every time you can. Now is the season for hikes. Let’s go!
by Author Unknown: as published in “Sunshine: A Soulful Magazet” (1951), February, Volume xxviii, No. 2, page 21
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l i v e ☆ l e a r n ツ www.MakeFunOfLife.net ♥ l o v e ☼ l a u g h
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.” -Morihei Ueshiba
Common Causes of Bad Posture
- Carrying excess body weight.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Lack of muscle tone.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Using poor form when walking or exercising.
- Prolonged use of electronic devices.
- Footwear, possibly including flip-flips, sandals, and shoes that fit improperly.
- Emotions and feelings, including poor self-esteem, low level of self-confidence, and bad attitude.
What else might cause bad posture?
“You project a confident image through good body posture.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Never slouch, as doing so compresses the lungs, overcrowds other vital organs, rounds the back, and throws you off balance.” -Joseph Pilates (Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883 - 1967))
People Who Help People with Posture Issues
- Chiropractors.
- Physical therapists or physiotherapists.
- Workout coaches.
Can you think of anyone else?
“No amount of high fashion can make up for a lifetime of poor posture.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Posture reflects your attitude.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
Posture and Gait Quiz
- Is good posture simply sitting pretty and standing tall?
- How would you describe your posture?
- Can you name 3 people with good posture that you could copy?
“Good posture can be beneficial to your health.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“I’d love to look like my mum when I am her age. She taught ballet for years, and my attitude to exercise and fitness has definitely been influenced by her. She’s 84 now, and I’ve watched how well she has aged, and a lot of that is to do with her fantastic posture.” -Sarah Parish
“Unless some misfortune has made it impossible, everyone can have good posture.” -Loretta Young
“To attain good posture, you can practice standing and walking while balancing a book on your head. However, you might not want to use fruit such as an apple instead of a book, just in case William Tell might be lurking somewhere nearby.” -David Hugh Beaumont (born 1966)
“Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control.” -Joseph Pilates (Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883 - 1967))
“Your posture is the key to your personal and professional foundation.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Bad posture shows uncertainty and a lack of confidence and ability. Good posture conveys confidence and an air of capability.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Posture is a leadership language.” -Janna Cachola: “Lead By Choice, Not By Checks”
“By taking good care of your posture now, you will enjoy and savor lifelong health benefits and beauty.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Use proper posture to realize your professional image potential.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Change your posture, change your life!” -D. Nicole Williams
Much more mind-boggling coming up next . . . on MFOL!
“Posture is paramount.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“My posture has changed. I walk with my head down and shoulders slumped. Suddenly I carry myself as if I’m ashamed of something.” -Randy Harrison
Tips for Good Walking Posture
- Keep the head and neck straight.
- Step with the heel of the foot first and then move to the toes.
- Keep at a comfortable space between steps, striding neither with steps exaggeratedly too long or too short.
“Always walk with style and finesse.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Healthy posture is based on natural positions that balance and support your skeletal system’s curves and weight-bearing abilities against the force of gravity.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“People don’t realize that when they ‘throw out’ their back, it’s often because of weak abs. These muscles are essential for lower-back strength and good posture.” -Sylvester Stallone
“If you’re a fish, and you want to be a fish stick, you must have very good posture.” -Mitch Hedberg (Mitchell Lee ‘Mitch’ Hedberg (1968 - 2005))
“Stress can also lead to poor posture because it causes you to breathe more shallowly, which leads to slumping.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Never bend your head! Always hold it high! Look the world straight in the face!” -Helen Keller (Helen Adams Keller (1880 - 1968)), speaking to a five-year-old child
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
l i v e ☆ l e a r n ツ www.MakeFunOfLife.net ♥ l o v e ☼ l a u g h
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
The Way to Walk
It is a well-known fact that very few people know how to walk properly. Walking, when one knows how, is not fatiguing, as most people think. On the other hand, it is relaxing, because it brings into play almost all the muscles in the body. Here’s how.
Stand at attention with your shoulders thrown well back, your head up, and your arms straight at your side. Now step forward with the right leg, the heel of the foot striking the ground first; then another step, bringing the left foot directly into line with the right. Don’t try to take large steps. Walk just as naturally as possible, with your arms swinging loosely and your legs working from the hips.
If you keep your back straight and your head pushed back as if you were trying to touch an imaginary wall with it, you’ll find your posture improving greatly. If you don’t do anything else, avoid the habit of stooping. It is bad for the figure and it prevents free action in the arms.
Walk every time you can. Now is the season for hikes. Let’s go!
by Author Unknown: as published in “Sunshine: A Soulful Magazet” (1951), February, Volume xxviii, No. 2, page 21
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
l i v e ☆ l e a r n ツ www.MakeFunOfLife.net ♥ l o v e ☼ l a u g h
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.” -Morihei Ueshiba
Common Causes of Bad Posture
- Carrying excess body weight.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Lack of muscle tone.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Using poor form when walking or exercising.
- Prolonged use of electronic devices.
- Footwear, possibly including flip-flips, sandals, and shoes that fit improperly.
- Emotions and feelings, including poor self-esteem, low level of self-confidence, and bad attitude.
What else might cause bad posture?
“You project a confident image through good body posture.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Never slouch, as doing so compresses the lungs, overcrowds other vital organs, rounds the back, and throws you off balance.” -Joseph Pilates (Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883 - 1967))
People Who Help People with Posture Issues
- Chiropractors.
- Physical therapists or physiotherapists.
- Workout coaches.
Can you think of anyone else?
“No amount of high fashion can make up for a lifetime of poor posture.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Posture reflects your attitude.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
Posture and Gait Quiz
- Is good posture simply sitting pretty and standing tall?
- How would you describe your posture?
- Can you name 3 people with good posture that you could copy?
“Good posture can be beneficial to your health.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“I’d love to look like my mum when I am her age. She taught ballet for years, and my attitude to exercise and fitness has definitely been influenced by her. She’s 84 now, and I’ve watched how well she has aged, and a lot of that is to do with her fantastic posture.” -Sarah Parish
“Unless some misfortune has made it impossible, everyone can have good posture.” -Loretta Young
“To attain good posture, you can practice standing and walking while balancing a book on your head. However, you might not want to use fruit such as an apple instead of a book, just in case William Tell might be lurking somewhere nearby.” -David Hugh Beaumont (born 1966)
“Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control.” -Joseph Pilates (Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883 - 1967))
“Your posture is the key to your personal and professional foundation.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Bad posture shows uncertainty and a lack of confidence and ability. Good posture conveys confidence and an air of capability.” -Cindy Ann Peterson
“Posture is a leadership language.” -Janna Cachola: “Lead By Choice, Not By Checks”
“By taking good care of your posture now, you will enjoy and savor lifelong health benefits and beauty.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Use proper posture to realize your professional image potential.” -Cindy Ann Peterson: “My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today” (17 January 2011)
“Change your posture, change your life!” -D. Nicole Williams
Much more mind-boggling coming up next . . . on MFOL!
