Sunday, October 19, 2014

Good Posture For Great Health


 Good Posture For Great Health

 I am a very physically active person so when I recently injured my knee I was motivated to do anything that would help it heal quickly.   I know all kinds of strengthening exercises and I also go to a great chiropractor who is experienced in how to treat sports injuriesI know how to eliminate foods that cause inflammation and add foods which promote healingFortunately for me, as great timing would have it,  I was contacted by Dr. Insole within a few days of my injury.  Since I was looking for ways to create more comfort and fast-track the healing of my knee I was quite interested in what the company representative had to say about their affordable orthotics.  I have used orthotics over the past several years and in fact I was considering going to my doctor for a new fitting and to place an order when, just in time I was introduced to Dr. Insole!!   Dr. Insoles retail for only $50 and the orthotics I was used to buying cost over $200 so I was no longer replacing them when they wore out but instead continuing to wear them way past their recommended "expiration."  This being said I am so happy to have been introduced to Dr. Insole!  After wearing them for only a week I felt significant improvement in my knee.  For one, they helped both my knees track properly over my feet as they also helped create even more comfort in my athletic shoes.  To learn more you can click here.


I highly recommend trying Dr. Insole to improve your posture, your balance, your foot issues, back pain, and knee and hip problems.   I also want to stress how important it is that along with your regular strength training and cardio exercises you practice balance moves as part of your daily routine.    
Unless you engage in regular balance exercises you may lose yours sooner than you need to.  Loss of balance may start as you get a bit wobbly getting in and out of the bathtub, or need to walk down the stairs more slowly. It happens as we age, but your balance may be “off” for other reasons — injury, illness, poor posture, poor vision, obesity, weak core muscles, or a brain that is not properly trained to stay balanced.
Balance is your body and your brain’s equilibrium, or stability.  It’s at the core of nearly every physical and mental action you perform.  In fact, building your “core” muscles — those that surround your trunk — is the key to staying strong and upright as you age. Without a strong core, you’re more likely to suffer back pain, lose your balance and fall, or be more prone to injury during exercise.  In the same way, maintaining and building balance in your brain is just as important for your overall health.
Test your balance: Stand on one foot with your eyes closed. If you can’t hold still for at least 10 seconds without becoming wobbly, it’s time for some easy balance training. Don’t forget to wear supportive shoes (with your Dr. Insoles) and keep a chair nearby to rest your hand if need be.

Eyes-Closed Balance Routine
  1. On one leg, arms out to each side, eyes closed, balance for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
  2. On one leg, arms hugging your chest, eyes closed, balance for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
Eyes-Closed Balance Hop
  1. On one leg, hop forward and back 10 times; stabilize between hops. Switch legs and repeat.
  2. On one leg, hop side to side 10 times; stabilize between hops. Switch legs and repeat.
Improving your balance is just one great benefit you receive if you also practice good posture.  When your body is in alignment all of your organs work better.  Good posture also decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases your testosterone.   It will help you breathe properly and protect your joints and ligaments.   Those who have good posture look more confident thus they feel more confident.  
Also, when possible make sure that you always opt for stairs instead of using the elevator.  This too will help keep your body and your mind sharper and more balanced.  You may want to work on your posture as you navigate the stairs!

To reach me by email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller




2 comments:

  1. I do hope your knee heals well and quickly! As a one time dancer with a ballet company I was fortunate to learn to ensure my posture was correct. Actually, standing at the bar in dance training, as a youth and then as a young man, the teacher would walk the line as we all stood with one hand on the bar, our legs and head straight, or so we all thought! The professional ballet master like, in my time there, Anton Dolan, or the ballet mistress would move just about all of us, our chin perhaps raised or lowered by a slight touch, a hand put between our shoulder blades tipping us a bit forward while the other hand pressed our mid-section up and in a bit. Oh how we all thought we had set our positions well but no, a comfortable feeling is sometimes a bit too relaxed and then the movement would not be well performed as our balance would not have been right. In daily life, a slight slouch can be relaxing but it is not going to feel comfortable for long. The stress on the muscles, ligament and especially the feet are going to be felt. Thanks for the chart and link. It is good to check our stance and get insoles and apparatus that will help us as we handle our work, leisure time and rest time too, I believe. Stay well and thanks for the tips you shared with us all...J-M

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  2. I am learning about proper posture at my pilates class. The instructor stresses the importance of standing straight and keeping the core straight. I wear orthotics in my shoes and I also like the support of Merrell running shoes.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. Please try to stay on the topic and remember also that there are many who are struggling through all kinds of challenges. Let's all be kind and thoughtful with our comments please! :D