Head Posture: How To Get A Head Start On Improving Your PostureYour head posture has a huge impact on the rest of your body posture. It doesn't matter how many corrective exercises you, or how hard you try to improve your posture - if your head is sitting in the wrong place, it's weight (around 8-10lbs or 4Kg) will pull you spine forward.In my opinion, based on 15 years in practice, I believe correcting your head posture is the single, most effective way to improve your body posture and movement. I have seen this work thousands of times in people of all ages, from all sports and walks of life. Take a look at the short video below, and then read the rest of this page to help you correct your head posture for the best (and most effective) way to improve your posture.
I call this 'The Fountain' because if you imagine your spine as a jet of water with your head balancing on top, it can help. If this one doesn't work for you, take a look at the other images and techniques below. Head Posture And Your BodyImagine your spine as a tower of building blocks - see below. Then place a large block on the top of that tower.
If it sits in the right place with its weight over the center of the block beneath, it will strengthen the whole structure.Now, what if you moved the big block just an inch in any direction? Of course, the whole tower would collapse. Obviously, your spine doesn't collapse quite so dramatically if your head is sitting incorrectly. However, it does place unnecessary stress on your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles to keep it in place and prevent a collapse. And because your neck muscles are vital for coordination and balance, this will impact the rest of your spine. End result? Your posture and movement will suffer - it's a bit like putting your car brake on and trying to drive. The 'Sciencey' BitThe diagram below shows a poised head sitting on top of the spine. The red line is your sternocleidomastoid muscle - when you head is resting, its weight tilts your head ever so slightly forward and stretches this muscles.
Your stretch reflex kicks in and shortens it a fraction which has a lifting action on your breast bone. This lengthens the whole of the front of your body, giving you a natural upright posture with hardly any effort.The green line represents your sub-occipital group of muscles. These highly-sensitive muscles play a vital function in coordination. When your head is poised, these muscles are lengthened and they work with your balance reflexes to control movement. If your head is pulled back on the axis, they slacken and can't work properly with your reflexes. The blue line is a anatomical measure called the Frankfort Plane. If this is horizontal, your head is roughly in the right place. The X in the middle of this line marks where your head sits on your spine - try my quick and simple exercise here to help you find this very important joint - it can make a huge difference to your posture and muscles once you know how to move from this point. PLEASE NOTE - you must not try to hold your head in this position. Otherwise, you'll be tightening your neck muscles and defeat the object.
The Not-So 'Sciencey' BitAn easy technique to relax your neck muscles is to soften your jaw and appreciate the weight of your head is supported by the chair or floor beneath - not your neck.
The hard part is just 'letting' your head posture sort itself out. In short, stop doing the things that are pulling it out of position, and it will balance itself. Visualization can work well. Think of your head as a ball balancing on a seals nose (whilst relaxing your jaw) and you may find your head subtly change its position. Combine this visual with the thought that the ground beneath is pushing you up, or a piece of string attached the to the top of your head is lifting you (without doing it) and you may find you feel a little taller and straighter. If you can keep your neck free and your head balanced in all your activities, it will make a huge difference to your posture. Check your neck and head posture here. 
The tip on this page is one of the many from my posture program. If you've found this one useful, you'll find more quick and simple tips that you can apply in seconds to improve your posture - whatever you're doing. The ebook also comes with 10 short videos. See How To Improve Your Posture without Exercise |
More on Posture
If you think a good posture is about effort, exercise and 'standing up straight'
Click here here to discover
Assess Your Posture
How is your posture? A good one has many benefits for your health, fitness and image.
It's a myth that getting a great posture involves lots of exercises and hard work! My program is based on 15 years of teaching proven techniques that work fast - and there isn't a single exercise in the whole program! |
 I've spent 15 years teaching sports people the Alexander Technique. This remarkable movement system helps to improve performance, posture and mental awareness whilst reducing the risk of injury. To read more about me and my approach, please click here. |
 Can memory foam really help your pain? A good nights sleep is vital for our health and well-being. Could it help you? See memory foam neck pillows |
 I use SBI to build this site. People who build profitable online businesses with SBI are just like you and I. With the right help and tools, plus some effort, anyone can do it! For more proof, please click here. |