“THE SCIENCE OF POSTURE: WHY SITTING UP STRAIGHT MAKES YOU HAPPIER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE”

http://www.fastcompany.com/3021985/work-smart/the-science-of-posture-why-sitting-up-straight-makes-you-happier-and-more-product

 “The way we stand, sit, and walk actually has more long-reaching implications on our mood and happiness than we thought.”

“Plus, the study used saliva samples to prove that expansive postures actually altered the participants’ hormone levels--decreasing cortisol (C) and increasing testosterone (T):”

“When we alter our posture and body language, it subconsciously influences our thinking and decision-making.”

For martial arts students, posture is essential for understanding physical balance, rooting one’s weight into the ground and being able to counter the opposing forces needed to generate power with attacks.

Posture ties in with body alignment.  Similar to architecture, the body has strengths and weaknesses in certain postures and positions.  From the health perspective, poor posture puts the same strains on the body the same as it would any building or other physical structure.  The difference is that poor posture will impact circulation, breathing, energy flow through meridians and, ultimately the health of internal organs.

Good body alignment allows for the better flood of circulation and energy through the body.  The body affects the mind and vice versa.  However, if the body was left on its on, it’d prefer postures that require less effort to maintain.  Sitting up straight whether in a chair or just on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, requires core and back strength, hip flexibility and strength, and quad strength and hamstring flexibility.

Maintaining good posture requires training and mindfulness but the benefits are huge as far as the body feeling better and preventing expensive medical problems over the decades.

Kind regards,

Bob Lee

Head Instructor

3rd Degree Black Belt

http://www.bodymindsystems.com/what-are-natural-martial-arts.html

Questions about how martial arts training? Email bob.lee@bodymindsystems.com