Good Posture

A key to reduce the level of stress and strains within the body.

- T. Rajagopalan

When some time ago I visited Kuala Lumpur the spectacle that attracted me most was the two guards standing stiffly flanking the ornamental gates of a ruler’s fairytale-like palace. I watched the two for a full minute and didn’t notice even a slight twitch of or muscle anywhere. I was told I could even stand by them and take a photo – and I did.

I understand near some museums in Paris some men and women simply stand for hours on end sans shaking a single muscle and earn money as the onlookers give them doles. Outside myriad posh restaurants the guards simply stand upright for hours on end and I feel amazed. Just like wax models or mannequins at the entrance to textile shops.

In contrast, watch the crowd of people waiting for a bus. I wonder at their looking like a rumpled lot humanity. Feet turned in, feet turned out, feet resting on one side or the other, thrusting one hip higher than the other, shoulders rounded and slouchy – yes, crumpled humanity. With a somewhat practised eye, I view such crowds and there wells up within me an almost irrestible desire to cry out, “Stand up.”

Posture is of paramount importance. Those who work in hospitals are early made to realise just how important it is. Proper posture, and walking gets the very best out of the human mechanism when stamina and endurance are badly required. Do you ever think about your posture? How are you sitting as you browse through this article?

How do you stand at your work bench, behind the desk, at the kitchen sink or while awaiting the bus? Please remember that good health depends on good posture. All such activities such as bending, stooping, walking and lifting cause stress and strains to be set up within the body, which are compensated by the design position, movement and balance of its various parts.