Relax You Abdominals For Better Posture

Following on from yesterdays 'Posture Myths' post...

Here are a few things to consider regarding contracting your abdominals:

• The diaphragm is an important postural muscle. Consider that the average person takes in the region of 23,000 breaths daily, yet only 10% of people are are said to actually recruit their diaphragm. If in addition you begin to contract the abdominals you are further inhibiting proper function of the diaphragm.
• The abdominals work to flex the trunk, in opposition to the majority of the muscles of the back which are extensors of the spine and trunk.
• You, as a typical person already spend 11 or more hours sitting - IN FLEXION.
  
• What you don't need is more flexion - you need balance!

The body works as a unit. You need to address your posture wholistically, from head to toe restoring the balance from left to right and the dynamic tension from front to back.
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