Body Posture
Good posture gives a better figure instantly; it is good exercise and the basis of figure beauty. The way you carry and move your body influences its shape, the effect is slow but steady, and it can work for or against you. Many figure faults have their origin in faulty posture, aches and body fatigue too. When the spine is carried correctly, it has an easy alignment, when incorrectly held it gives a hallow back, squashes the vertebrae together, sets up friction and tension, and eventually can cause joint thickening and bone displacement.
The habit of good posture can mean a young-looking figure for life, it creates an impression of vitality, confidence and attractiveness.
STANDING: Your spine is a long cord, imagine there is a thread running through it and it is being pulled up tautly from above your head. This lifts and stretches straight the whole body, it also makes you feel much lighter and springier. Pull in stomach, tuck buttocks under, chest high, shoulders back but relaxed and pulling the arm sockets downwards, head in alignment with chin parallel to the ground. When picking something up, bend from knees with one foot slightly in front of the other, bottom tucked under. Good posture strengthens the supportive muscles and through habit they automatically keep firm and in place.
WALKING: Check alignment before you start and be sure toes point straight ahead. Relax arms, allowing them to swing, following the body naturally and with ease. Movement should come from the thighs, not the hips, as you walk breathe deeply and slowly to the count of four in, four out. Keep the back straight, up and down hill, up and down steps, lifting and lowering yourself by using thigh muscles. Don't lean forward with buttocks stuck out at the back.
SITTING: Before sitting, be sure your back is to the chair and one leg almost touching it, the other a little in front. Keeping the back straight and head aligned, lower yourself by bending the knees. Legs look better together, straight in front or slightly to the side.
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Align back, hold arms straight above head, thumbs hooked, pull arms back without arching spine. Walk around the room for two minutes, breathing in deeply to the count of four, out to the count of four.
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Kneel, sitting on heels, back straight, arms at side, using thigh muscles, keeping back straight and bottom under, rise to kneeling position bringing arms up over head, return to heel sitting, never arch back. 10 times.
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Lie on stomach, arms stretched out, palms down, shoulders flat, head slightly raised. Bend left leg at knee to a right angle, keeping ribcage firmly on floor, move bent leg across straight one, aiming to touch the floor with the knee, at first it's impossible, but with regular practice you will eventually get it right. 6 times with each leg.
Reference: The Body Book
Information supplied for educational purposes only.