I know what you mean - I catch myself slouching far too often, and when I think about what that does to a person's body over time ... oooh, not pretty! I have found that working to strengthen my core really does help. Since I've gotten back into weight lifting, I'm more conscious of "proper form" and am making more of an effort to carry myself correctly. When people have good posture it makes them look thinner. Nothing pooches that belly out like slumping over (at least on me!) - and that's certainly not an area that I need to call attention to. ;-)

Mine is horrible unless I'm actually thinking about it.

My mother used to make me walk while balancing a book on my head. Guess it just never took . I'm also a head jutter and being on the computer so much is just making it worse.

You're at the age where you can easily do something about it before it gets too ingrained. Remember how nice she looked and how your tummy will disappear when you have correct posture. Doesn't hurt your chest area, either. :)

Head back, chest out, one foot in front of the other.

Also - I think that poor posture conveys an overall aura of self-consciousness and makes one look awkward in one's own skin. The talk of Miley Cyrus' slumped posture at the Oscars immediately comes to my mind. Yeah, she's just a kid and possibly did feel completely out of her league at this event - but she has stylists and handlers that should have addressed this issue. (Then again, her boobs might have popped out of the dress had she stood up straight, and that's the subject for a completely different thread I suppose.)

What a pretty pic of Miley!

Have seen body-language experts say that when celebs do this sort of cowering posture, it is to convey humility. Sort of that thing Princess Di used to do with her head bent down a bit. I can see how Miley tries to project a "I'm just a regular girl" vibe, though she's fabuously talented, wealthy, famous & beautiful!

Since everyone knows already that I'm just a regular gal, I should try to stand & sit up straight more often. I catch myself with rounded, slumped shoulders while driving & try to correct it. Not only does it look terrible, it's bad for your spine.

I think good posture is largely dependent upon body type and structure. Yes, we slouch, but no amount of standing up straight (which I do), sucking in my tummy (which I do), will ever give me the square shoulders I so wish I had. And my neck is not straight from my spine - my head juts forward. Some people have a "military" bearing, others delicate ballerina bodies.

I was a runway model in my youth because of the way I just happen to walk, as well as my height and weight. That is just the way I'm built. I certainly am no ballerina, though I did have my share of dance lessons as a kid. Yes, I do think about posture, but I think there is not too much we can do about the way we are naturally built (balancing books on our heads, imagining a rod holding up our spines).

Mine is pretty good, but I know there are times I sort of slouch. Mainly when sitting (at the computer!). You are aware of yours Shee and I think that is a great help - just being aware will cause you to sit up/stand up straight, etc. I'm wondering if pilates classes might be beneficial? Pilates is great for flexibility and strengthening the core, which might encourage better posture. I'd do an online search too and see if there are any exercises/suggestions on how to have better posture. Couldn't hurt!

tina

Pilates has helped me! I have been taking what I call "the pilates class from hell!" for two months and have had people comment on the arch in my back. (Just above my butt.) It is more pronounced for some reason (in a good way.) It also helps that my sister will walk up behind me and whisper in my ear "Grandma!". I instantly stand taller. G'ma has a hump in her upper back due to osteoperosis and is about 3 inches shorter now.

Necia

I had great posture when I practiced yoga. Now that I've stopped I find myself slouching. Guess that should tell me something.

Sharing a few lines here from the book, Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On (What Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters That the Rest of Y'all Should Know).

"Slouching--slouching was strictly forbidden, in any form. This is back when slouching referred to body posture. Today it describes an interesting fashion style where oversize clothes hang off the body as if the wearer inexplicably lost twenty or thirty pounds between the time he finished dressing and the moment he showed up in public. These incredibly shrinking people are constantly tugging at their poor britches because they can never permanently secure them."

Being a slouch isn't good, no matter how you size it up!

Funny you should bring this up. I was struck by this photo of Grace Kelly yesterday -- her perfect posture adds to her amazing beauty:

Yes, that's Audrey Hepburn in the back. The picture is from a fascinating site Iconic Photos. I wasted half the day yesterday looking through it :/

As a kid, my parents constantly harped at us about sitting up straight, the back of the chair is there for a reason. It did pay off as I have good posture and have gotten positive compliments on it.

Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn were the epitome of class, poise, grace and style. They don't make them like they used to. Many of our current "movie stars" could take a few lessons in the art of being gracious from them.

thanks sheesharee for bringing this up, I've been observing my slouching today
and straightened up a few times. I've always been aware of standing straight and I do catch myself at odd times, feeling like I'm bunching up ; it happens when I'm tired or preoccupied.

To be aware is excellent; this thread is a good reminder !! chin up, shoulders down, stand as if you own the place, lol....

I have pretty good posture. I've always been on the tall side (I used to be almost 5'8 but am now 5' 6 1/2) so I was used to being taller than most other girls, so it made no difference if I stood straight or hunched. Besides my mom always said to stand up straight, throw your shoulders back, and your b00bs will grow.

I notice at meetings that I'm the one sitting more straight than hunched, but I need to work on my posture more. My chiropractor told me that by pulling my shoulder blades together (impossible to do if you're slouching) it would help with my neck problems, and it does.

I love the conversations here. I love the people here. I am blessed to be part of you all... I know, I can be mushy, but it's true for me. I can attest to my feelings by the number of posts I write.

Shoulders down, head (chin??) up.
_GD

I have noticed something interesting about myself and posture. I'm short, 5'2". Most of my life I embraced my lack of stature and wore only flats. Over the last few years, mostly due to the influence of my friends who are more fashionable than I am, I've branched out to "high heels" -- which, to me, means clogs with 2" heels! And I find that when I wear higher heels, I stand up straighter. Not sure why that is.

I can totally relate to Jen's comment -- "poor posture conveys an overall aura of self-consciousness and makes one look awkward in one's own skin" -- because that pretty much defines me on my more slouchy days! If I'm feeling fat or less than attractive on a particular day, I tend to slouch more (trying to disappear?) which of course only makes me look worse!

I also have terrible posture when sitting. I sit almost folded up in a chair when watching TV, slouch in my chair at the computer, etc. I had a horrible bout w/ TMJ a few months ago, which turned out to be partly related to both how I sit and how I sleep, in addition to carrying stress in my neck and shoulders. So I'm trying to work on sitting posture, too, which is really hard. Who wants to sit up straight in a chair while watching mindless TV at the end of the day?

I'm glad I'm not slumpy all by myself. :) Hats off to those of you who have this down.

I thought it was shoulders back and down, head up/back/straight. ?? I had someone tell me recently your head should be somewhat down.?

Why I don't know, but I admit to feeling funny pushing my chest out. Well not really PUSHING my chest out but standing correct is pushing it out for me. I also will slouch more if I'm having an unattractive day.

I definitely find sitting more of a challenge than standing. Once I get tired of the positions, which doesn't take long, I get sloppy about sitting right.

After I noticed that lady at the game I only payed attention to myself for a few days and forgot about it. I finally made peace with my broad shoulders when I cut my hair off but also noticed my upper back was more noticeable with no hair covering it. Especially with short sleeve shirts where the back scoops down a little. Hopefully you know what I mean! Shirts that don't cover like a sloppy (but comfy!) t shirt.

I also then noticed my back has the potential to look like my Mom's if I'm not careful. She's slightly overweight and doesn't stand up straight all the time. Has that tiny hump thing going on.

I have the Winsor pilates dvds at home and a few years ago was doing them everyday. I actually did feel longer, leaner, and taller but got so BORED with them. I think it's easy to get bored with any workout video though. Tried it about a month ago and my back really hurt afterwards. Don't really know what's up with that. Probably just not used it. My sister left me borrow a yoga tape and you all would've laughed if you could've seen me. I'm not flexible. At all. I found it hard and boring and gave up pretty quick. Our gym has zumba and other cardio type classes but I don't think pilates/yoga. I should get into adding those to the workout schedule at least once or twice a week.

As far as watching tv in the evenings my feet don't even touch the floor when I'm sitting on the couch so they're normally tucked under me. I do want to get an ottoman but that's not really going to help with my posture.

I'll just have to keep correcting it often and strengthening my core. In time it should pay off.

Oh and I wanted to add, DH has great posture (lucky ducky). That makes photos even look worse when one person is standing straight and the other a slouch! He'll be there for a reminder if I tell him.

I have terrible posture -- slouchy back and rounded shoulders. And Jen's observation is correct -- most days I do feel awkward in my own skin. Very hard for me to change -- feels so odd.

Nevertheless -- I do KNOW that I look SO much better when I stand straight and force my shoulders back and down ....

Thanks for the reminder! :)

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Sometimes slumping looks good, especially if your Catherine Deneuve. The cigarette adds a nice touch, not politically correct, who cares? (lol)

....Jane

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