Correct Female Posture
Poor posture causes aches and pains in joints and muscles. If you have back pain, chances are your posture isn't as great as it could be. Posture, according to the American Chiropractic Association, is how we hold our bodies when we're sitting, standing or laying down.
Poor posture causes aches and pains in joints and muscles. If you have back pain, chances are your posture isn't as great as it could be. Posture, according to the American Chiropractic Association, is how we hold our bodies when we're sitting, standing or laying down. Women may suffer from poor posture due to poor habits, improperly fitted bras leading to an uneven distribution of weight, pregnancy or underlying health problems that cause a shift in how the body is carried. Speak to your doctor or chiropractor about correcting your posture and to rule out any medical causes of improper posture.
Standing
Step 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, distributing the weight of your body to the balls of your feet. This may feel awkward at first, particularly if you're accustomed to wearing high heels.
Step 2
Bend your knees slightly and stand up straight and tall, with your shoulders angled backward. This naturally pushes your chest forward and makes it harder for your head to droop, two more factors that can affect the female posture.
Step 3
Tilt your pelvis slightly forward and tuck your stomach in. Hold your head high. Your earlobes, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles should align for proper female posture.
Step 4
Allow your arms to fall naturally at the sides of your body. Standing with your hands in your front pockets can pull your body forward, leading to slouching.
Step 5
Test your posture by standing with your back to the wall. Place one hand behind your neck with the palm of your hand facing toward your neck. Place the other hand on your lower back, with your palm facing the wall. Try to wiggle your fingers--if you can do this without problems, you haven't achieved correct posture, notes the American Physical Therapy Association.
Sitting
Step 1
Place your feet on the floor. If your chair is too tall to allow this, use a foot rest.
Step 2
Avoid sinking back in the chair. The American Chiropractic Association recommends keeping a gap between the backs of your knees and the front of your chair. Don't tilt in the chair to accomplish this--correct female posture while sitting has your knees at or below hip level.
Step 3
Resist the temptation to cross your legs. Keep your ankles in front of your knees to reduce stress. Keep your shoulders held high and relaxed, with your forearms parallel to the ground while using armrests or typing.
Step 4
Take note of the back support your chair provide. Low and mid-back support are important when sitting, notes the American Chiropractic Association
Step 5
Angle the top of your head toward the ceiling and tuck your chin slightly, advises MayoClinic.com. Keep computer monitors at or above eye level and take frequent breaks from sitting or working.
Laying Down
Step 1
Sleep on a mattress that is comfortable to you. The American Chiropractic Association notes that a firm mattress is standard, but softer mattresses are also acceptable.
Step 2
Support points of stress while you sleep. Use a pillow designed to maintain proper posture during sleep. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. Place a pillow beneath your knees if you sleep on your back.
Step 3
Don't sleep on your stomach. No part of your body receives support from this position, and using a pillow may misalign your neck, leading to aches and pains.
Step 4
Rotate your mattress every few months to avoid falling into a rut--literally. Your body makes indentations in your mattress that can lead to poor posture while laying down, advises the American Chiropractic Association.
Step 5
Keep your head and neck level with your upper back to minimize stress while sleeping.
Tip
It can take a lot of time and concentrated effort to correct posture. Being mindful of how you sit, stand and lay is the first step toward correcting your posture.
warning
Speak to your doctor or chiropractor about chronic aches and pains, as well as steps you can take to correct poor posture. If you have concerns about poor posture due to the distribution of weight from your breasts or a recent body change, such as pregnancy, speak to your doctor about steps you can take to ease aches and pains.