The importance of posture and alignment

Why is it important?

Proper posture and alignment are important because both affect the way you move and carry your body and weight. Alignment and posture both play a role in balance. Learning proper alignment and to appreciate how it affects your posture can help you on a day to day basis e.g. while sitting, standing, and walking.

Proper posture helps you to decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis and keep your bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.

What is the difference between posture and alignment?

Posture refers to how you hold your body upright when you’re sitting, standing or lying down. Alignment refers to the way your head and joints line up with each other.

Posture and alignment work together to help your body move properly.
How does yoga improve posture and alignment?

Yoga can help make you more flexible and limber, and can help you learn proper posture and alignment. Yoga can make you more aware of your body, breath and help you to strengthen your core and lengthen your spine. Remember, your spine holds up your body all day long!

In order to maintain proper posture, it is ideal to have an adequate amount of muscle flexibility and strength in the spine and other areas of the body, and muscles that support good posture. Practicing yoga can help you with becoming and staying flexible and building the important muscles required for good posture and proper alignment.