Posture – Making a Stand

With Summer parties and Outdoor Holiday events coming up, you can expect to spend a lot of time on your feet, which can get pretty uncomfortable the older we get. But it only takes a few simple adjustments to keep from walking around like the tin man and looking like a hunchback with poor posture. Master the art of the “lean” by staying near walls, corners, buffets, etc. Also make sure you wear comfortable shoes. If your regular dress shoes are not meant for extended standing or walking, consider buying the same shoes a half size larger and wearing socks with an extra cushioned heel or a gel-heel insert. Keeping your knees loose while standing also helps prevent fatigue, so don’t lock your joints. You’ll feel more pressure on the knee and ankle joints when they’re locked as opposed to when you allow your muscles to pick up some of the load. Likewise, good posture can help delay or prevent back pain. You should aim to keep your shoulders more or less in line with your hips, with shoulders relaxed and no excessive arch backward or hunching forward. Ready for the bonus round? Use these tips any time you’re standing or walking and you’ll strengthen your core and the rest of your body for a more youthful appearance.