What Is A Good Posture And How Is It Secured?

Posture may be defined as 'Position or bearing of the body.'

Graceful movement begins with a balanced adjustment of parts.  We should be able to move the body at any time in any direction, easily and without strain.  We may think of good posture in standing, sitting, walking, and working as the position that enables the body to act effectively.   Good posture does not require the maintenance of an unvarying position at all times.  Temporary twisting, turning, stooping and bending help to relieve strain.  Good posture is habitual carriage in the most effective position.

In good standing position the head is well back, the chin in, the abdomen flat, the back straight, the knees slightly flexed, and the toes pointed straight ahead.  The walking, the body is carried easily and gracefully in the position of standing, with the toes always pointing straight ahead.  Hands hang loosely and comfortably at the side.  

The simplest direction for getting the body into good position is 'stand tall'.  In doing this one may stand a pole beside the body or drop a plump line to determine whether the ear, shoulder, hip joint, kneecap, and instep are in the straight line.  

In erect sitting posture the relationships of the body, neck, and head are the same as in standing posture.  A straight line would pass through the ear, the shoulder, and the hip joint.