If you think about it, a lot of us spend a huge part of our day at our computer. We blog, we read stuff on the internet, we email. Maybe our work involves us being in front of a computer for most of the day too. I haven’t done a health and fitness post for a while and so this whole idea gave me inspiration for one today – all about our posture.

I spend ages on my laptop each day, and unfortunately, a great deal of that time is spent slumping. I’m leaning over my keyboard, my tummy area is slack, my neck is craning forward and sometimes it can even lead to tightness in these muscles – eek.

So this is not good. And I know that the alignment and postural foundations of our bodies is a big thing. It plays a big part in the comfort, movement and appearance of our bodies. Not to mention safety and effectiveness during exercise.

Something we hear a lot about, that really helps when it comes to posture, is core strength. The strength of those deep tummy and spinal muscles which support our spine and uprightness. I always think of these muscles as a cylinder wrapping around the spine, keeping my foundation strong.

It’s something I keep coming back to in my exercising, but now, it’s also something I am thinking about when it comes sitting at my desk each day – that and trying to not to slump! Apparently a regular change of posture also helps to activate these muscles, so just getting up every so often and walking around the room can help.

And I can’t let this one pass without mentioning a spiritual thing I can see here too :) just the whole idea of taking the time to strengthen and develop the deep unseen parts of who we are – our character and Godliness. The parts of us that only God sees, but eventually do show up in the externals of our lives. Our core character, which, when strong, keeps us functioning well and helps guard against injury.

* For personal advice about posture and core strength, please contact a qualified fitness instructor. 

~ by Birgit on July 2, 2008.

Posted in Devotional, Health and Fitness