Test your posture, Adkore physical therapy, plus free coupon

We've all heard that the mind leads the body. In other words, by changing what you believe, you can actually change what your body is capable of doing. But to bring things around full circle, it's critical to understand that the body leads the mind, too. Stand up straight, walk tall, and you'll think and feel better. Having correct posture actually helps you be calmer, more relaxed, more physically and mentally stable.

And, unfortunately, poor posture can lead to a myriad of physical problems, such as tight shoulders, lower-back pain, and muscle imbalances. Within our bodies, a group of cells called the proprioceptors send messages to the brain regarding the correct alignment of muscles. In our hectic lives, we often don't listen to these signals our bodies are sending us. The more we ignore them, the worse our pain and posture become.

Here's a test you can take to see where you stand in how you stand.

Stand facing a full-length mirror. Close your eyes, shake out your limbs and body, relax, and stand as you normally would. Open your eyes. What do you see?

Head--Your head should be directly over your body, your chin parallel to the floor, and your ears should be over your shoulders.

Shoulders--Are your shoulders level or is one higher than the other?

Knuckles--Your hands should be at your side, in line with your hips, and you should therefore not be able to see your knuckles. Can you see yours? Can you see more knuckles on one hand than the other?

Back--Your back should have a natural "S" curve to it.

Feet--Your toes should be pointed out straight and not be turned in or out. Is one foot turned out more than the other? Check the wear on the bottom of your shoes to make sure you're bearing weight equally on the right and left sides.

Are you surprised at your own posture? Don't worry, it can be improved. First, take a moment at the beginning of each day to stand in front of the mirror and correct how you are standing. Get a feel for how you should be standing. Then, throughout the day, remain conscious of how you position yourself. If you remain aware of your posture and stance for a while, standing correctly will become second nature.

Pilates exercises, such as those taught by Adkore, can also help.

More likely than not, not only do you have posture problems when standing, but when sitting as well. Following are some tips to improve posture when sitting for long periods of time.

Support your feet--Don't leave them dangling. Adjust your chair so you can have your knees bent at about right-degree angles, ankles slightly in front of the knees, and feet flat or on a footrest.

Support the lower back--Again, a back should have a natural curve to it. Make sure you keep that curve when you are sitting, with the support at the base of the rib cage. Use a chair that has a good lumbar support and fits you correctly. If it has little or no support, try using a small pillow behind the small of your back.

Support the upper back--Lean back enough so that the middle of your shoulders are parallel with or even slightly behind the middle of your hip. Keep your back against the back of the chair--do not lean forward.

Poor posture is a problem many of us have due to hours of hunching over a computer, over a steering wheel, or in front of a TV. Yet by working on your posture now, you can save yourself pain and injury in the future.

Come to Adkore for a free, professional posture analysis. Call 407-328-7595 to set up an appointment.