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Posture

As a teenager, my mother was constantly reminding me to stand up straight. I resented what I labeled ‘nagging’ and made little effort to comply. By the time I reached college I was an inveterate sloucher, and slacker. Looking back I can see that the two are related. Studies  show that posture effects self-esteem, confidence, and energy. The good news is that having set the bar so low, for so long, I had no where else to go but up. My posture is better now than when I was in my twenties and thirties.

A friend of mine told me of her training in India with Mr. Iyengar. The night before the training started she attended an informal social to meet the other students and instructors. She was surprised to find herself face to face with Mr. Iyengar, a legend, known for his ‘tough love’. Somehow, she remembered being somehow disappointed. He was nothing like the fire breathing dragon she had expected. He seemed like a sweet little old man. When he asked her what she would like help with, she replied “Sirsasana” (head stand).
The next morning, as all of the students lined up on their mats, Mr. Iyengar strode up and down the line. The sweet little old man had vanished, giving way to the dragon. As he walked past my friend he paused to look her up and down. Then he said “You want me to teach you how to stand on your head, and you do not know how to stand on your own two feet!” That was the beginning of her journey to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher.
It is tempting to give all of our energy to the pursuit of the more challenging and impressive yoga poses, but until we master ‘Tadasana’ (standing), we are building on quicksand. All of the more advanced poses are built on the foundation of the core poses. How strong is your foundation?
How much time do you spend during the course of an average day in triangle pose, or eagle? Compare that to how much time you spend sitting, standing, and laying down. If you can improve these three postures, you will be able to practice and benefit from yoga 24/7.
As I explained in previous essays, proper breathing is hands down the most important thing for you to learn and practice. But posture does not lag far behind. Improving posture will change how others see you, how you see yourself, increase your energy, help you sleep better at night, improve your breathing, reduce injuries and disease in your joints, muscles and fascia, protect the spine, and help you to age more gracefully. It does not matter if you work in a grocery store, or design websites for a living. Improving your posture will improve your life.
Body workers have long observed that movement, over time, becomes habit. Habit, over time, becomes posture. Posture, over time, becomes structure. It is easiest to make changes in how you move, it is more challenging to change a habit. Improving posture requires commitment over time, and it is not easy. But it is still possible. Yoga teachers see it all the time! Learn more by watching my improving posture video.
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Posted byCharles MacInerney
June 8, 2020
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2 Comments

  1. Jan Ezkovich June 16, 2020 Reply

    I loved this essay on posture. I have to say that I’ve been a little overly concerned about my posture and alignment since I can remember, maybe age 8 when i would dance in front of a reflective service like glass doors and see my slouched silhouette and a pooched out tummy. Over the years, I read some books on it, tried to do what I read, but it was so hard to hold or maintain “good posture”. Once I started using the back roller (something we use in every session) I found it easier to realign my body from the feet up. I build back and core strength during each class so that I can hold or maintain the posture better and longer. Now when I pull in my stomach I automatically stretch my chest upwards and shoulder blades down my back in one big movement. Opening up my back made me feel better and stand better.
    Thanks Charles!!

    • Author
      Charles MacInerney June 16, 2020 Reply

      Hello Jan

      So nice to hear from you. I have missed seeing you in person. I am glad you are making progress with your posture.

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