A healthy posture, as it relates to exercise, is also known as having “good form”. Another way to think of having a healthy posture is, the spine being in proper alignment. When the spine is out of proper alignment, pain in the neck and back can develop over time and may become chronic. It is said that 8 out of 10 Americans will experience back pain in their lives.
Having a sedentary lifestyle causes many health problems, bad posture being one. Prolonged sitting on a daily basis is the most common reason for having an unhealthy posture. While the body is active, for example, during a hike, the muscles of the trunk and back are working to keep the spine properly aligned and become stronger. An active lifestyle, as well as consistent exercise, will help the body develop and maintain a healthy posture. During exercise, the muscles of the trunk and back can be specifically targeted. As well, when the trunk and back are strong, this allows the spine stay in good alignment during athletic performance. This is why practically every athlete invests time in developing their core strength.
