Despite the continual emphasis on safe lifting techniques, how we sit is becoming increasingly important given how much time we all spend sitting down each day. So, what is the correct way to sit, and what is ‘Good Posture?’
Firstly – the word posture, simply means position. Therefore, we need to position ourselves correctly depending on the nature of the task itself.
But what have we learned from society about ‘Good Posture’?
- Sit up straight?
- Shoulders back?
- No slouching?
- Chin up?
- Feet flat?
- Back straight?
If I asked you to try and put yourself into this position now, I can bet most of you will feel uncomfortable.
‘Good posture’ was originally modelled on the position of military ‘attention’. Which in fact is actually pronounced as ‘at tension’. Another word for tension, is strain. Therefore, the words ‘good posture’ literally translates to ‘at strain’!
The concept of ‘good posture’ is actually causing muscle discomfort and strain. The opposite of what we are wanting to achieve!
As we sit up straight with our shoulders back, we sub-consciously suck our tummy in to achieve ‘good posture’. This draws in our diaphragm. Because our diaphragm controls our breathing, sucking our tummy in causes our breath to automatically come in.
But as we maintain this posture, our diaphragm is continually being held in, which is keeping our breath half held too. This results in shallower breathing, which effectively means…we are only half breathing!
Every part of our body needs oxygen to function properly. But because we are only half breathing, we are only getting half the amount of oxygen. This creates oxygen deficiency in the muscles, resulting in fatigue, muscle tension and general discomfort.
So, if traditional ‘good posture’ is harmful, and slouching is still considered bad posture, where does that leave us?
Comfortable.
Comfort is the absence of strain or injury.
Provided we are sitting comfortably, we are not putting any unnecessary load on the body. Our body’s warning system (pain) is only activated if something is wrong. Therefore, if we are comfortable, then nothing is wrong.
But because we come in all different shapes and sizes, what may be comfortable (or best) for one person, may not be comfortable for the next. Our postures, or positions, change depending on the task or activity that we are undertaking. There is no one ideal model for ‘Good Posture’.
Can you be comfortable sitting at the computer reading this article? Absolutely! At least for a while. But if we continue to sit in the same position for too long, our body starts to tell us that we are no longer comfortable.
So, what do we need to do?
Move.
The human body is dynamic and is designed to move. We were never designed to be static or sitting still. Therefore, the more we can move, wriggle, and change positions (as we all did as kids), the better it is for our body.
The problem is, society has taught us to sit still, which goes against basic human nature.
Can you keep yourself comfortable, listen and trust what your body is telling you?
Make sure you take regular breaks, stop, stretch, have a micro-pause, and change positions frequently. Because there is no such thing as ‘good posture’, simply good movement.
Optimum Training Ltd provides specialised MoveSmart Office training to enable your office staff to be self-sufficient in maintaining a safe and efficient workstation. The program is designed to improve an individual’s functional comfort levels and behaviour as they interact with their workplace.
Our system is different from all other programmes in that we firstly recognise each person as their own expert and help them determine what is best for their body.
We raise a person’s awareness of their own comfort levels and offer other options for them to choose the most comfortable as they interact with their chair and workstation.
For more specialised one-on-one coaching around ergonomics and workplace assessments, please feel free to contact Optimum Training.
