Modern society places challenges on the human body that undermine physical and physiological integrity. People are awash with conveniences that detract from the genetically coded, physical actions. Sitting is a modern convenience that presents society with definite challenges. To sit optimally is to efficiently align the spine and effectively engage the core (when sitting unsupported) for support and stability. The Sitting is a modern convenience that can lead to compromised body mechanics and physiological challenges. A lot of problems that arise from inefficient sitting can be addressed by a program of regular exercise and movement. The body is structured such that movement, breathing, and other actions occur in an unforced manner. Exhibiting a fuller potential of the body results from the attaining and sustaining of optimal posture, particularly in light of the culture of excessive sitting.
Proper sitting, per se, is defined as ‘having your back straight and your shoulders back. Your buttocks should touch the back of your chair. All 3 normal back curves should be present while sitting. Use a small, rolled-up towel or a lumbar roll to help maintain the normal back curvature. This alignment can also be achieved when unsupported (i. e. a chair with no back). Doing so requires more engagement of the core to provide support for alignment (head, shoulders, spine, hips) and stability (to minimize overworking the deeper muscular layers). 9 e
The convenience of the sitting can facilitate compromised posture and associated phenomena. Poor posture, mainly exhibited through the effects of Forward Head Posture (FHP), affects diaphragm function. The innervation for the diaphragm decreases due to FHP. This causes resultant core weakness and decrease in diaphragmatic activity. Suboptimal sitting causes the chest and anterior shoulder areas to become tight. It also causes laxity to develop in the upper back / rear shoulder musculature. The anterior tightness / posterior weakness serve to add to the challenges that arise from FHP and diaphragmatic sub-functioning. r
A general fitness program and ‘deep(er) breathing can be supportive in developing overall postural awareness. Exercise provides the impetus for expressing the physiological design of the body. Moving and breathing are basic bodily functions. Functional human physiology has not changed in 160,000 years. Thus, movement and breathing are beneficial activities. The body has developed with and into them. In a natural environment (in earlier times). exercise and movement would be part of daily living. Exercise and movement must become a planned act. In the majority of cases this is so: due to the hectic lifestyles that many people lead, there would be scant consistency in exercising.
The conveniences of modern society are a boon. They allow for freedom from and access to things, situations unimagined in bygone days. Yet, these same conveniences can contribute to compromised situations for the physical condition. Sitting is a daily activity that is found in many jobs and various actions. Sitting: enhances well-being when done properly; can contribute malaise and overall physiological un-ease when improperly executed. Simple measures can be employed to counteract the resultant effects of compromised sitting posture. The requirements, to exercise and to breath. Movement stimulates to need for air (O2). Breathing supplies that O2. Good posture enhances the capacity to breath more fully and the capability to do so.
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 