Psychological Aspect

We know that smiling is a cue to openness and receptivity, but did you know that posture and body language can also describe a lot about you? Posture sends powerful psychological signals. 21 The following list of postures and movements will give you an idea of what kind of message you are sending to others:

- Forward lean = attentiveness 10

- Drawing back or turning away = negative, refusing 10
- Expansion = proud, conceited, arrogant 10
- Forward-leaning trunk, bowed head, drooping shoulders, and sunken chest = depressed, downcast, dejected 10
- Slumping = apology 21
- Standing on one leg = pushover 21
- Standing evenly on both legs = forcefulness 21
- Head tilt and shoulder shrug = shy, submissive 21
- Jittery movements = fear 21
- Looking away = insecurity, dishonesty 21

"I raised my body erect again as one should walk, though my thoughts remained bowed down and shrunken." - Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy, Canto XII10

Social Aspect

There are many social ramifications associated with posture. Postures frequently express attitudes, feelings and moods.10 Body language influences many situations. Did you know that you stand a better chance of obtaining a new job if you display good posture during the interview? Proper posture commands power and respect22; it exudes confidence and high self-esteem. A study has actually found that good, confident posture is as important as body build when judging attractiveness.21 Posture plays such a crucial role to models and athletes, as well, and could be the difference between winning and losing. It's no secret that posture is associated with beauty and grace.13 So, don't just strive for good posture, strive for great posture!

In general, there is a relationship between posture and health.13 But, what you may not realize is that you can instantly enhance your appearance - not just health - by improving your posture. Next time you walk by that guy with his tummy sucked in, pay attention to his posture. He's not just trying to impress you, he is also showing you how man (and woman) is meant to stand. (Give him a wink to acknowledge the great advice!) If you want to attract the opposite sex, proper posture will definitely help. Soon you'll hear guys whispering, " Hey, check out her posture!"

References

1. Banfield, M. A. The posture theory, 7th ed. ISBN 0 9589015 8 9

2. Chek, P. Advanced program design correspondence course. C.H.E.K. Institute. 1999.

3. Chek, P. Scientific core conditioning correspondence course. C.H.E.K. Institute. 1998.

4. Chek, P. Your healthy back - chek list. Muscle Media, Inc. April, 1998; 67: 132-41.

5. Clay, J. H. Posture alignment therapy. The Pain & Posture Clinic. http://www.danke.com/Orthodoc/post3.html

6. Clay, J. H. Why do women have more hip problems than men do (including hip replacement surgeries!)? http://www.danke.com/Orthodoc/posture-hips.htm

7. Dayaram, E. The Alexander Technique. Hypersite Publishing Ltd. 1999.

8. De Mond, T. & Love, C. The perfect start: Assessment. SPRI Products, Inc. Buffalo Grove, Il.

9. Franklin, M. E., & Conner-Kerr, T. An analysis of posture and back pain in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. Sept.,1998; 28(3): 133-8.

10. Givens, D. B. Bowing head posture. Center for Nonverbal Studies. 1999. http://members.aol.com/doder1/posture1.htm

11. Hodrosky, R. M. Pain management: Maintaining good posture. Department of Physical Therapy, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

12. Hughes, R. E., Johnson, M. E., O'Driscoll, S. W., & An, K. N. Normative values of agonist-antagonist shoulder strength ratios of adults aged 20-78 years. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Oct, 1999; 80(10): 1324-6.

13. Jarrett, B. A. Posture Control Orthotics. http://www.pcopco.com/_Posture_Control_Orthotics__Po/_posture_control_orthotics__po.html

14. Jensen, C., Borg, V., Finsen, L., Hansen, K., Juul-Kristensen, B., & Christensen, H. Job demands, muscle activity and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to work with the computer mouse. Scand J Work Environ Health. Oct, 1998; 24(5): 418-24.

15. Kariqvist, L. K., Bernmark, E., Ekenvall, L., Hagberg, M., Isaksson, A. & Rosto, T. Computer mouse position as a determinant of posture, muscular load and perceived exertion. Scand J Work Environ Health. Feb, 1998; 24(1): 62-73.

16. Kendall, F. P., McCreary, E. K., & Provance, P. G. Muscles testing and function (4th ed.) with posture and pain. Williams & Wilkins. 1993.

17. Kita, I., Sakamoto, M., Ryushi, T., Aihara, Y., & Arita, H. Dynamics of human cardiorespiratory responses to standing on one leg with eyes closed. Eur J Appl Physiol. 1998; 77(1-2): 60-5.

18. Linder, M., & Saltzman, C. L. A history of medical scientists on high heels. Int J Health Serv. 1998; 28(2): 201-25.

19. Living Rite. Body Rite Posture Pleaser.

20. Luoma, T. C. TC Talks. Muscle Media 2000, Inc. Dec, 1996; 55: 50-4.

21. Peacock, M. No slouch. Women.com Networks. http://www.womenswire.com/image/posture.html

22. Richardson, T. Poise and appearance for African-American women. 1996.

23. Roman, D., Bugajska, J. & Konarska, M. Characteristic of Muscular Load in Computer Data Entry Workers Assessed by EMG and Postural Angles. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 1996; 2(2): 128-136.

24. Shirazi-Adl, A., & Parnianpour, M. Effect of changes in lordosis on mechanics of the lumbar spine-lumber curvature in lifting. J Spinal Disord. Oct, 1999; 12(5): 436-47.

25. Sinaki, M. Musculoskeletal challenges of osteoporosis. Aging (Milano). June, 1998; 10(3): 249-62.

26. Stanten, M. Develop better posture. Prevention Magazine. 1999. http://www.healthyideas.com/weight/gym/more/980701.gym2.html

27. Treva's. If large breasts are your problem. http://www.trevas.com/

28. Zacharkow, D. Sitting posture: The overlooked factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. Zachback International, 1999. http://www.zackback.com/healthy.htm

John Paul Catanzaro

JOHN PAUL CATANZARO, B.Sc., C.K., P.F.L.C.

John Paul is a certified kinesiologist and professional fitness and lifestyle consultant with a specialized honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. He owns and operates a private studio in Toronto, Ontario. For additional information, visit his website or call 416 -292-4356.

John Paul has appeared on television and has written articles for several publications including Bodybuilding Italia, Coaching One-On-One, Dolfzine, FitCommerce, Fitness Trainer Canada, Flare, grrlAthlete, Intense Fitness, Men's Health, Olympian's News, Quest For Anabolic Condition, Testosterone, and Wannabebig. His newsletters are both informative and entertaining, and he has provided reviews for numerous sources including the inaugural edition of Sport First Aid in Canada. John Paul has studied under many of the world's top strength coaches and his pursuit for knowledge is relentless, constantly striving to upgrade his skills.

John Paul is quickly becoming one of the premier trainers in Canada. Building a reputation for getting his clients in top shape fast, his expertise has not gone unnoticed by other health practitioners who attend his private studio regularly for instruction. Recently, John Paul has begun to attract the attention of fitness-related organizations seeking lectures and workshops. He's been dubbed the man with an "encyclopedic mind" - you will leave his presentation with a wealth of valuable information that you can put to immediate use.