Whenever I watch a fashion show, gymnastics or ballet I am amazed at the beauty of participants. While their facial features are obviously different, that’s not what makes them beautiful. In fact, I don’t even pay attention to their faces. It’s how they move!
These girls obviously understood the secret to beautiful female body – ideal body posture. If you think about it, it’s not all that hard. This doesn’t require from you months of dieting or a plastic surgery. And still, most of us never give a thought to HOW we bear our bodies.
Posture and health
Now I know this isn’t very motivating for most of you, but correct body posture isn’t only about beauty. It’s also about health. For example, tight chest muscles can cause breathing problems, which can lead to various health issues in the future. A tight lower back compresses the nerves and may lead to sciatica, bathroom problems, leg pain and sexual dysfunction, leave alone unsightly protruding abdomen.
Unfortunately our sedentary lifestyles don’t help us to be healthier and more beautiful. You don’t have to reach a certain age to start worrying about your posture – many schoolgirls are already “there”. If you are a little older, things don’t get better either. The constant downward pull of gravity and inevitable dehydrating effects of aging cause us gradually to hunch our shoulders. The good news, however, is that this can be corrected with regular exercise and a little bit of caution.
How to evaluate your posture
While posture is referred to your habitual manner to bear your body while sitting and standing, it’s best to evaluate when standing. Stand sideways in front of a large mirror while maintaining your usual posture. Ask someone to put dots on mirror where they see the middle of your ear, shoulder, hips, knee and ankles (you can use chalk for this). Connect the dots. If the line is straight, you have a correct body posture. If not, you have some work to do!
Improving your posture
To improve your body posture you have to learn to feel the alignment of your head, shoulders, and shoulder blades. Constantly remind yourself to straighten your back. This does take a little it of will power at first, but soon it will become habitual.
Stretching exercises, exercises for back muscles and abdomen are especially good for you. Get yourself an exercise ball
Obviously this can go under your clothes. You don’t have to advertise the fact that you are wearing support. There are many other interesting tools you could use, like special back support for your car or chair, but best of all is exercise.
Challenge yourself. This isn’t nearly as hard as losing weight. Even if you carry extra 20 pounds improving your posture will make a big difference in how you look. You don’t have to be particularly young to see the difference. It works for everyone. Make no mistake, learning how to stand and move beautifully will make you attractive in no time. It’s the most overlooked beauty advice ever.