Mind Your Posture, Part III:
10 Yoga Poses for Better Posture
DISCLAIMER: This material is intended for physical education and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be diagnosis, treatment, or therapy for any acute or chronic condition and should not be construed or used in that way. The author and the Center for Bodymind Education are not liable for any injury, accident, or health impairment befalling the reader who utilizes these techniques. Always consult your doctor before undertaking any exercise regimen of any kind and for any purpose. Always listen to your body when doing any exercise. If the position is uncomfortable in any way whatsoever, STOP immediately. If this material is of interest, then I strongly recommend you work with a qualified instructor.
I’ve dabbled in yoga intermittently for 30 years and, while I admit to being a very inconsistent student at best, I am fairly well-read on the subject as my bookcase full of books and DVDs will attest. Having made my confession, I now speak as just a humble yogi who knows certain simple asanas designed to improve posture. I assume you have some yoga experience and are most likely familiar with all these poses as they are standard fare in every yoga class and so I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
Mountain Pose
Downward Dog Pose
Upward Salute Pose
Cobra Pose
Plank Pose
Cow Face Pose
Cat Pose
Cow Pose
Baby Pose
Seated Twist Pose
Closing Thoughts
Given your lifestyle, training and experience, your mileage may vary. I just selected these as I’ve found them personally helpful and they are very simple to perform. I admit that even as an intermittent practitioner, I tend to use yoga when I am not feeling physically well or when my osteoarthritis announces its presence. Right now, I do practice these poses as I have lost an inch in height over the past decade and am terrified of losing any more. And so, it is found that the old adage of “Use it or lose it” or, better, “Practice it or lose it,” holds true for posture.
Paul Shane, Ph.D., LMT
Director, Academic Content