Growing up, most of us were told to sit up straight. However, as we’ve grown older, most people find themselves thinking less about good posture as they are busy doing other things. Many of us work in jobs that involve sitting, too. Improper body mechanics and posture can cause pain and added stress in joints and muscles.
So what are posture and body mechanics? Posture is the position in which you hold your body when you sit, stand, or lie down. Body mechanics is similar, but involves movement of the body. This can include walking, bending over, lifting objects, and other household activities we perform on a daily basis.
The three key tips to remember for proper body mechanics are to:
To keep good posture while sitting, think about the 90-90-90 rule. This involves keeping your elbows, hips, and knees at a 90 degree angle. Using good posture will put less stress on joints and cause less pain in your daily life. This can be especially handy if you work in an office or tend to be seated frequently.
These rules and tips can come in handy when it comes to working from home or performing activities around the house. Avoiding using your back to lift and being conscious of how you’re sitting can reduce the chance of neck or back pain in the future.