Showing posts with label proper postures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label proper postures. Show all posts

Friday, September 4, 2015

How Posture Can Help you Age Gracefully

Like so many others agree, a majority of the population remembers being told to "sit up straight." Whether sitting at the dinner table or working at their school desk, adults of all levels of stature were constantly reminding kids that they were tired of their slouching ways. A fact those kids wouldn't soon forget. No matter how dramatic our childhood selves might remember those interactions, however, it was actually for our own good. Posture, much like eating vegetables and getting enough sleep, is an aspect of healthy body behavior. One that kids are rarely keen to follow, and one that, when not used, can create terrible habits into adulthood. 

Being told to sit up straight wasn't a punishment, it was a way for adults to show kids they cared about their future health.

After all, good posture grows into habit over time. After reminding yourself to keep your back straight and flat so many times, the body remembers to do so all on its own. It's a step that allows for easy muscle memory. 

Good posture will also help create stronger back muscles, keeping one ready for all scenarios and growth. As well as keeping the spine in place and the back aligned. A step that can keep pains at bay, while also improving overall back health. But most importantly, it can help keep you healthy as you age. With the onset of osteoporosis or a decline in bone density, ensuring your posture is solid can lessen those side effects. Keeping you upright and with smaller chances at needing a back doctor. 


There are plenty of lifestyle changes that can help keep your body healthy, especially as it grows older. And though posture is one that's often overlooked, it can offer profound health strides to the back, and to the rest of the body. 

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Perks of a Properly Aligned Neck

Few people worry about the alignment of their neck. Unless it’s hurting or causing some sort of health risk, they assume it’s taking care of itself. And don’t think much else about the neck. But when we consider everything that the neck does – or rather, what can go wrong when it isn’t functioning properly – it’s actually one of the first things we should be looking out for. 

A misaligned neck can cause headaches, pinched nerves, affect balance, and more. But when taken care of – supported by a foam pillow or adjusted by a medical professional – there’s plenty to be gained.

Ongoing Neck Care Can Offer:


Height – stand tall when the neck is fully straight and in place. It’s better for your posture, and for keeping the vertebrae in place.  

Proper mobility – when out of whack, it’s difficult to turn and view one’s surroundings, especially behind and to the sides. Better alignment, however, eliminates this issue, along with any pains that might come with it. 

Comfort – the neck can often trigger pains we didn’t even know were associated with its alignment. Headaches, back and shoulder issues, and more can all be solved with an in-line neck. 

Better understanding of health – if you know how it feels to be aligned, you’ll soon know how it feels when you’re out of place. Identifying this issue quickly can reduce long-term side effects by addressing misalignment immediately. 

Better circulation – this can improve health on its own, while also restoring range of motion in the neck and surrounding muscles, which reduces stress and tension within the body. 


Just because the neck doesn’t receive much attention doesn’t mean it isn’t an important part of the body. Or that it shouldn’t be looked after on a nightly basis. Consider upgrading your neck care routine today for an easy way to gain ongoing health benefits. 

Monday, June 30, 2014

Neck-friendly Tips for the Fourth of July

In just a few days’ time, fireworks will be set off to celebrate our nation’s freedom. (That is, unless your neighborhood has taken on the holiday already.) It’s a loud, colorful display that allows us a yearly bout of explosions and excitement. Ones that are meant to be enjoyed. And whether you love setting off said explosions or prefer to sit and watch from a safe distance, it’s a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for generations. But when the big show is taking place in the sky (as opposed to dinkier models set off in the driveway), it can be an actual pain in the neck to watch it in person. Especially when a solid view means cranking or jarring oneself into place. 

To save your neck, however, all it takes is a little strategic planning. For instance, laying out a blanket and enjoying the view from a horizontal position. Not one that comes with a chair that doesn’t recline. Or, if you know where the show will take place, opt for a location that’s further away (without sacrificing the view) so that you can relax your neck without obstructing the show. 

For the daytime fireworks, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. While there’s no way to be sure exactly when a loud pop or bang will be set off, knowing that it’s a possibility throughout the day can lessen the blow. This can save you a scare or two, as well as any sudden movements that lead toward a pulled muscle or soreness. 


This upcoming holiday, remember that even the longest of American traditions can come with a surprise. Whether by sound or a beautiful view in a less-than-ideal location. Look into better bodily care – even in the planning stages – to save yourself any firework-induced pains.  

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

4 Everyday Situations that Cause us to Hunch

More often than not, slouching is a subconscious decision. When becoming relaxed or simply losing track of what we’re doing throughout the day, our bodies can slide into a hunched routine. Let’s face it, it’s just more comfortable. Even in the world’s most posture-inducing chair, can’t make us sit up straight 100% of the time. We’re just natural slouchers. But that also doesn’t mean we can’t be more aware of activities that cause us to hunch more than others.

To stay on top of proper posture, remember to be fully aware the back’s alignment when:

Walking Quickly


There’s something about being in a hurry that causes us to put our noses down. The next time you’re walking faster than your normal, leisurely pace, remember to hold your chin steady and up off the ground. This is especially true for when holding an umbrella, or other elements such as sun or wind cause you to avert your line of sight. 

Being Tired


Nights where you don’t get enough rest are more likely to cause slouching than almost any other form of sleeping. Whether being tired puts you in a bad mood or simply creates an environment in which you’d rather be cozy, be aware of this slouch-inducing cause each time you wake up drowsier than normal. 

Poor Discipline


The more often you work to remind yourself of your posture, the more aware you’ll be of each sitting position. Even subconsciously. Rather than ignoring your spine’s routine, look to subtle reminders throughout the day that will allow you to be more aware of how your back is aligned for each movement.

Desk Work


While working – especially typing – at a desk might be a necessary task, it’s also one that creates regular hunching posture. Look into shoulder and back position each time you sit down to improve your body’s everyday posture. Even when the environment doesn’t promote it. 

Monday, June 16, 2014

How to Achieve Proper Reading Posture

When it’s time to sit down with a good book, we rarely stop to think about something as trivial as how we’re sitting. So long as it’s a comfortable spot and the words are flowing off the page as quickly as we can get to them, there’s really not much else to consider. Right? But when we’re so involved in a book that we crane and stretch to find the next page, there can actually be some serious side effects that take place. 

Most notably, these changes come in the form of headaches, neck aches, and sore muscles. Even just a plain ‘ol crick in the neck from hunching in the wrong direction for too long a time. Whatever the secondary cause from reading “incorrectly,” it can easily be reversed with a simple posture upgrade.

Whether you read on the couch, in a recliner, or in bed, find a cozy spot that’s most comfortable for checking in with your favorite characters. Next, consider what type of support – if any – is being offered. If in bed, regular pillows might not offer enough leverage, while a wedged or gradual incline pillow will prop your head without making you strain or reach to see each page. If in a recliner, opt for a pillow under your arms so the head can sit back and relax. While a couch might be most helpful with all of the above. 

Outside features, such as room temperature and light should also be considered. Trying to keep cool (or warm) can cause you to move into awkward positions, while a room that is too dark means squinting and pulling one’s face ever-closer to the text, even when it’s within close distance.


Book lovers everywhere can agree that reading before bed – or really anytime – is a favorite past time. To make the best out of this already enjoyable experience, remember to adjust posture for a better, more body friendly posture

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Make Your Booty Happy with a Kabooti Comfort Seat Cushion

Sitting is a part of everyday life – there’s no way around it. Whether you’re sitting for long periods of time, or short bits in-between, it’s a necessary act that gets us through the day. (And allows for some much needed rest.) Which is why, when we are sitting, we want it to be as comfortable as possible. In the same way you don’t want to walk in uncomfortable shoes, you don’t want to sit in a chair that’s too hard, too soft, or any combination of the two. 

So how do you make uncomfortable shoes work in your favor? With the help of cushions or insoles. And the same can be said for sitting – with a cushion, even the hardest seat can be made into a back-friendly place that anyone would be happy to sit upon. Choose one that’s specifically designed to support the rear, such as the Kabooti Cushion, and even more health perks can be had. 

Why You Should Kabooti



With the help of this specially designed cushion, users of all ages and lengths of sitting time can gain infinite benefits. Such as a comfortable way to support the back, cushion for the rear so as to not cause muscle or nerve pains, and better posture simply by aligning themselves up with the wedge base. It even comes complete with a coccyx cutout so as to reduce any excess weight displacement or pressure that can occur on or around the tailbone. 

Better yet, it’s portable and can adapt to any chair. Simply place it on top of your favorite seating surface – even sporting events and benches – and enjoy the ongoing benefits that come from sitting atop the Kabooti Comfort Seat Cushion. Then pack it away and use it in the car! With this diverse abilities, you can enjoy quality support and comfort no matter where you’re sitting each day. 


Ready to catch up on the Kabooti’s benefits today? Head to Contour Living and start shopping. 

Thursday, May 29, 2014

New Device Helps Prevent Slouching

Out of all the ways to be reminded to not slouch, this new device just might be the gentlest. Rather than back pain, an angry grandmother, or even a seat that holds strong at 90-degrees, no matter how uncomfortable, chronic slouchers can now find comfort in sitting up straight. Thanks to UpRight, a unique back placement device, users can receive a gentle, vibrating reminder each time they fail to sit or stand up straight.

The small device works by sitting on the outside of one’s spine and monitoring its curvature throughout the day. UpRight sticks to the back with an adhesive, and is small and discreet enough to wear under everyday clothing. It’s also powered by Bluetooth and battery operated. But what’s most unique is that the device doesn’t remind you of your bad posture until it reaches a “harmful” slouch. Which is to say a sitting or standing slouching at an angle that’s been proven to cause back pain. While slight bending of the spine has minimal side effects. The contrast between these two is small and virtually impossible to know of oneself. A machine that monitors specific angles and degrees through algorithms, however, can identify the exact point of change between healthy and dangerous slouching angles. 

The Theory Against Bad Posture


Creators of the device say UpRight was made to solve the “slouching epidemic” that stems from more and more workers sitting at computers for multiple hours each day. But by wearing the UpRight, the population can sit up straight and reduce back pain, even while sitting at a desk. 

To gain better posture – whether at work or out working on activities – the UpRight can provide some much needed assistance for spine alignment. Consider this up and coming device to put an end to your posture-induced pains. 



Thursday, April 10, 2014

Have Trouble Slouching? This Piece of Jewelry Could Solve Your Problems

We know slouching is bad. Our mothers, grandmothers, and teachers have been telling us this since we were old enough to sit. But just because we know we shouldn’t do something doesn’t mean it’s easy to not do it. Like slouching. No matter how many times we’ve heard “don’t slouch,” it doesn’t make sitting up straight any more comfortable. Especially when slouching in that office chair is so easy – during the afternoon post-napping period and beyond. 

But thanks to a new invention, disguised as jewelry, it’s a step you no longer have to take on your own. Known as the Lumo Lift, this small electronic device buzzes every time your spine begins to curve. Or whenever you want it to. Set the device to offer reminders or just keep track on your sitting behaviors. It works by wearing the device near their collarbone, which then measures the curvature of the back throughout the day. The device even connects to your smartphone, allowing you to track your posture progress over time. 

Lumo Lift creators also boast instant posture benefits, such as appearing more welcoming to others and receiving an adrenaline rush each time you straighten your back.

The Lumo Lift and Everyday Style


For those worried about personal style, the device has you covered. Users can choose from white, black, or silver, while fashionable “clips” in a rainbow of colors and fancier, bejeweled models, which help jazz up the device for special occasions. (Or just dressier officewear.) These clips contain magnets attaching the Lift, so they can blend in with any shirt color.

Though it has yet to hit the market, these small devices can be pre-ordered (models are $79 and $94, with the latter offering colored clips). Pick one up for yourself or the entire office to gain a discount while promoting good posture office-wide. 


To learn more about this interesting twist on bodily science-meets-technology, head to their website at LumoBodyTech.com.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Ergonomically Correct Tips for Using Tech

Earlier this week we talked about the dangers of using electronics incorrectly over time. How bad posture and craned muscles, pains and other ailments could worsen simply from texting or watching TV the “wrong” way. With just a little bit of bodily awareness, however, you can easily reverse those bad habits and replace them with something more ergonomically correct.

Computer Work


When at the computer, make sure your elbows sit at a 90-degree angle. This will not only help you type faster, but create a better resting position for your arms. Feet should also be flat on the floor, with the screen slightly below your line of sight. (Usually this calls for a sliding keyboard tray or a monitor stand.) Wrist wrests, natural keyboards, etc. can also be great additions for the long-term typer.

Texting


Generally with texting, the bigger the screen, the better. Hands weren’t meant to squeeze and cramp into one tiny location – instead, spread them out as much as possible. iPhones can be turned horizontal to allow for bigger keys, and many Android phones have a pencil-like feature where users drag their pointer finger from one key to the next. 

Also be sure to sit upright and avoid a bending neck when looking to read each text. 

Watching TV


Depending on how much TV you watch per day, it’s a habit that can create a number of issues. If you’re a long-term watcher, keep your posture in check whether on the couch or with the help of a recliner. Stretching or moving during commercial breaks can also eliminate decreased body activity – physically and internally.

Tablets and eReaders


These devices may make reading easier, but they can also do a number on your neck. Watch your leaning or hunching posture when using these devices to avoid literal pains in the neck. It’s also a good idea to lower the screen brightness to avoid eye issues such as spots or desensitized retinas. (Learn more by talking with your eye doctor about potential dangers.) 


To keep on track with all your technology, remember these body-friendly tips each time you log on.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Why it’s Important to Stay Ergonomically Correct with Electronics

As the public becomes more and more reliant on electronic-based entertainment, the way we react to tech has taken significant changes. While it can be hard to get through the day without a working cell phone or computer, there can be even more, less noticeable changes taking place. (Yes, some things are more important than a lousy Wi-Fi connection.) For instance, the way we use said technology. Because texting, talking on the phone, typing, and more are all a part of everyday life, they’re habits that can affect just how we move. Texting while hunched over (the most common pose) can cause pains in the neck, typing too long can cause carpal tunnel, and talking on the phone (usually while cradling the phone) might make you lean in an uncomfortable position.

But because these are habits – and usually come with an aspect of fun or multitasking – we rarely realize what or how we’re doing it. And while this might not sound like a big deal, when repeated, bad posture can have some serious consequences. This is especially true for those who are on their phones every single day for hours at a time. Soon side effects will begin to show, whether or not we can identify the culprit.

Rather than suffering from squinting eyes or strained backs, however, a simple fix can be found with ergonomics. (Or, though less likely, abstention.) By reducing the number of hours we spend on the phone each day, future pains or conditions can be eliminated before they have the change to develop into something more severe. 

When at the office, talk to your boss about any struggles or concerns that base from electronics. And while at home, consider more old-fashioned hobbies to replace those that come with a screen. 


Stay tuned for our upcoming post on ergonomically correct tech tips you can follow at home!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Improve your Posture With This Expensive Shirt

We all know that good posture promotes good health. Whether you’ve read a Contour blog on the subject, did personal research, or just know your body tends to function correctly when you sit up straight. Proper spinal posture, whether we are aware of how we’re sitting/standing or not, helps the body on a daily basis. But even with this information in tow, it can be difficult to keep the spine in its preferred and upright position at all times. Just short of a nagging mother or a teacher slapping a ruler in our direction at all hours, constant good posture is almost impossible.

While we can catch ourselves when necessary, a new invention brings a new, more constant solution. One that keeps our backs in place even when we aren’t paying attention. The invention, a specially made garment called the Up shirt, comes with specially-placed elastic bands that makes it easier for wearers to adjust shoulders toward good posture. Devices that perform similar functions can be purchased and strapped to the back and arms. The Up shirt’s manufacturers argue, however, that such devices are uncomfortable and can’t be discretely worn in public. In contrast, the shirt’s posture abilities go unnoticed as they’re built right into the material. It can even be worn under outer layers for those who still want to sport their own sense of style.

So what’s the catch? The shirt costs $175-$200 – a lot of dough for one shirt. And assuming you don’t want to wear the same garment every day, the price tag goes up considerably. Part of the costs come from high-quality ingredients, such as organic cotton and specialized elastic bands, which are made to withstand washes and multiple wears.

Though it seems like a hefty price for a shirt, it’s also fairly cheap on the span of spinal health treatments.

Find more about the Up shirt here.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Why Stomach Strength is Important for Posture

Whether or not we host a set of six-pack abs, stomach muscles offer a great deal of body support. Between holding us upright and keeping all our organs sitting proper (along with some help from the bones), stomachs are far more important than they’re given credit for. Sure, on the inside they hold meals and start the digestive process. But on the outside, its functions are just as important.

It’s high time we start giving the mid-section a little more recognition. After all, it’s what allows us to perform hundreds of movements each day. And without a solid set of abs – even if it doesn’t look that way on the outside – the back begins to sink and slouch. Poor posture is also one of the main causes of continual back pain; it’s often the largest contributor to poor spinal health. Without proper abs strength, however, it’s easy to bend or slouch after a short period of time. Because the muscles aren’t further developed, they tire easily, leading to underlying medical issues, such as poor posture-induced pains.


Why Abs are Important


Each person’s abs connect to the spine and pelvis, allowing you to stand in a balanced position. When that connection is strained, however, stress and pressure is placed on the back, and the abs themselves. By aligning the spine, all aspects can receive the correct support that they need.

To help this natural posture improvement, strengthen abs so they are able to sustain your back throughout the day, without becoming tired or weak. This can be done through workouts, sitting on a medicine ball, or by just sitting up straight. Make a conscious effort for a certain period of time, adding minutes each day until the posture feels natural. [Boxing Scene]

Start flexing your abs for a natural, internal way to improve posture.