Biologist Jeannette Loram joins for an engaging discussion on the complexities of posture. They explore whether traditional views of 'good' posture actually benefit health or if they’re merely social constructs. Jeannette shares insights into the historical evolution of postural ideals and the cultural influences that shape our understanding. The conversation humorously contrasts personal and professional perspectives on alignment, while advocating for a functional approach over aesthetic ideals in navigating bodily movement.
The podcast challenges traditional views on posture, arguing that its significance is intertwined with cultural perceptions rather than strictly anatomical ideals.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the psychological barriers that hinder movement, emphasizing the need for aligning personal values with exercise motivations.
Deep dives
Overcoming Movement Resistance
Many individuals struggle with the motivation to exercise regularly despite their intentions to be more active. The discussion emphasizes how psychological barriers can hinder movement and the vital relationship between personal values and physical activity levels. Understanding these internal barriers can assist both individuals aiming to increase their movement and professionals working with clients facing similar challenges. The podcast highlights a new book detailing 44 common excuses people make for not exercising and offers tools to realign thoughts for better fitness engagement.
The Complexity of Posture
The concept of posture is explored, focusing on its definition and its significance in relation to body language and health. The conversation delves into the philosophical considerations of whether posture truly 'exists' or if it is a construct tied to cultural perceptions of body alignment. By examining various definitions, the speakers point out the confusion surrounding the terms 'posture' and 'position,' highlighting that posture encompasses more than mere positioning; it includes habitual forms and adaptability in different contexts. The need for clarity in what constitutes good posture versus mere body arrangement is emphasized throughout the dialogue.
Cultural Influences on Posture
Historical context reveals how societal expectations have influenced perceptions of posture over time, particularly during the Victorian era. The alignment of one’s body has been tied to notions of class, civility, and even morality, fostering an environment where 'good posture' signals social status. As the conversation progresses, the speakers discuss how movements towards leisure and media consumption have impacted posture, leading to less rigid definitions and explorations of body positioning. This commentary highlights the evolving nature of posture and its interconnectedness with cultural ideologies.
Nuances of Movement and Alignment
The podcast underscores the complex interactions between posture, alignment, and movement, emphasizing that these concepts should not be viewed in isolation. It is argued that while posture may influence health, it is more accurate to assess the body’s alignment concerning how time and various activities impact physical well-being. Discussions on the implications of prolonged postural adaptations illustrate how the interaction of time and load significantly affects muscle and bone health. This multifaceted perspective encourages listeners to reconsider their understanding of posture, focusing less on static definitions and more on dynamic, individualized movement patterns.
In recent years there has been significant backlash against the idea that posture is related to good health. Join biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram for a philosophical, historical and biological journey into the controversies around posture.
Katy and Jeannette discuss whether posture is really a thing; is ‘good’ posture important or does your body work just fine regardless of how you hold it? Have we simply inherited postural ideals that are remnants of cultural, social and political baggage?
Katy and Jeannette tease this out by discussing definitions of posture, the history of postural ideals and the difficulty in relating pain to posture. They turn to extreme examples of posture and Katy’s work in alignment to offer a more nuanced perspective on posture and physical experience in terms of load to tissues over time.
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