Posture - what is it and what good does it do?

Posture may be something you associate with elegance or military bearing and as something aesthetic and desireable. These are valid perceptions but the truth is that what we regard as good posture is the consequence of the laws of physics, gravity and basic mechanical engineering.

If you have ever admired a large building or bridge it is probably because they exhibit good posture. They hold themselves erect, against the forces of gravity, with the least amount of effort. But, in essence they are designed to resist gravity with the least effort.

The human body is a far more complicated mechanical system of ties and levers than any architectural structure so holding it all together, in the best way possible, with good posture is vital to our comfort and wellbeing.

Posture and the torsorest® body balancing system

Good posture helps us while standing or sitting to minimise the effects of gravity on our musculature. However, as soon as you try to relax or rest in a seat the semi-horizontal orientation of your skeleton, in combination with the force of gravity will wreak havoc on your joints and musculature.

The torsorest® body balancing system positions and supports the body in such a way that natural good posture is inevitable. The main factors are:

• Aligns and supports the resting position of the spine with hips and legs
• Aligns and supports the resting position of the neck and head with the spine
• Straightens and supports the spine and neck both laterally and longitudinally
• Reduces compression of the spine

The benefits of improved posture are not confined to aesthetics, they lead to very real improvements in comfort and health.