bad posture http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for bad posture Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:45:27 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/bad+posture Improving Your Posture For A Better You! http://www.artwoo.com/article/improving-your-posture-for-a-better-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/improving-your-posture-for-a-better-you#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2007 23:39:59 +0000 good posturepoor posturebonesattractive appearancesecrets revealedslouchweightloss info http://www.artwoo.com/article/improving-your-posture-for-a-better-you slouch?

This is correct because not only does make you look better, it is also good for your and overall health. Look at the following reasons necessary to maintain the proper positions when standing, sitting or walking.

`Why should you have good posture?'

Standing, sitting and walking tall does not only benefit your overall look, but it also contributes to your health.

Try to picture what happens to your bones when you slouch. If you are accustomed to sitting with a curved back, more weight is applied to your spinal cord and this may attribute to problems with your bones when you grow older.

will make you appear shorter than your actual height; so use some effort and time to correct your posture and improve your appearance.

`Correcting your Stance'

Spending some time to correct your posture should not be torture. The key to an overall is projecting a positive, friendly attitude. Find out more about diets and exercise plan to looking totally great. First, you should feel comfortable and relaxed when are in a proper position while sitting, standing or walking. Second, this will make you more alert and have a better disposition.

Here are some ways you can determine whether your posture is correct or not:

When sitting or standing, your spine should be in an almost straight line =96 from your head to the bottom part of your back. To determine if you have a straight back, you can relax until your back finds its normal upright position. Your chin should be parallel to the floor, and your head aligned with the sky.

When sitting, your shoulders must be parallel to the floor and not leaning toward either to the left or right.

When walking, the knees should be in a central position. Keep them relaxed and not locked forward or backwards. What are the secrets celebrities are using to shed pounds after pounds? at http://www.diets-weightloss.info

The most common posture problem is having a slouched chest or back.

You may have noticed that people with heart problems often have a slouched back. This is because their heart and lungs cannot properly support the chest, resulting in improper posture. To correct a slouched or hunched chest, make certain that your chest is slightly uplifted and centered.

The spinal column does not form a perfectly straight line; instead there is a slight curve in the middle. If your back is extremely curved, then you have imperfect posture.

Try to find a balance; relax and let your back form an almost straight line.

Having good posture does not only improve your appearance: it also lightens your movements, improves your health, and adds to your total well-being. What are the secrets celebrities are using to shed pounds after pounds? Secrets revealed at http://www.diets-weightloss.info ]]> Having Great Posture In 2007 http://www.artwoo.com/article/having-great-posture-in-2007 http://www.artwoo.com/article/having-great-posture-in-2007#comments Sun, 24 Dec 2006 04:27:06 +0000 awkward posturepoor posturecorrect postureincorrect posturemusclesovercompensatingfatigue http://www.artwoo.com/article/having-great-posture-in-2007 awkward posture, but can be because of their environment or tools.

has a big impact on the . If you are holding the when performing a task, you will be optimizing the way your muscles work together to create your movement. The blood supply will be plentiful to the muscles being worked, and risk of is minimal within reason.

When you have poor posture, the large and small muscles are unable to function in the order and way they prefer. Muscles begin for each other and the extra strain causes certain fatigue. Correct posture means that the larger, stronger, more enduring muscles take the majority of the work, and the smaller ones merely assist. With the smaller muscles sometimes have to do all the work and blood supplies are impinged on resulting in continuous fatigue.

Any movement or action when repeated or prolonged whilst in an awkward posture can easily cause problems in referring areas of the body. If you reach, twist, bend, lift up, crouch, tightly grip or hold something in place for a length of time, you must assess carefully the following:

How often do you feel your muscles are fatigued from the work? Do you have difficulty holding the position for the time you are required? Do you begin to have shaking muscles? Do you get weaker as the day progresses? Do you feel stiff the day after working?

If you answer yes to any of the above, it is important you take a look at your procedures. These signs and symptoms may be temporary now, but in the future could result in much bigger health problems. Anything worth fixing is worth fixing today so you don't cause any more damage than necessary to the only body you have.

Look at whether you are trying to do anything outside of what is required of you. If you are not then address how often you take and are allowed to take breaks? Do you alternate between heavy lifting tasks and lighter easier ones? Do you ensure there is always enough room for you to do what you need? Have you been trained correctly? What is the maximum you are expected to lift before seeking assistance?

Approach you manager with what you have noted, and discuss possible solutions and outcomes to make everyone healthier and happier. Explain the physical symptoms you have been having and express your concerns that others may also be affected by it. Be willing to work together to find better ways to do your job. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/keyb/evoluent_keyboard.htm", http://www.ergo-items.com/cursor/penmouse/wirelesspen_vm201.htm and http://www.ergo-items.com/a> ]]> Learning About Position-Posture http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-position-posture http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-position-posture#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2006 14:27:06 +0000 negative effects of stresspostureeffects of stress on the bodyword ergonomicseffects of stresshuman bodyergon http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-position-posture ergonomics" rel="tag">word Ergonomics is derived from the Greek words "ergon" and "nomoi". Ergon means work, and nomoi means natural laws. Ergonomics is the study of the way human beings work; the way their bodies move and sit at rest in relation to certain tasks and activities. The study of Ergonomics is like an employee who sits all day at a desk as to a factory worked who is in constant motion. These two states of activity put different stresses on the that have to be addressed and studies in different ways. On the one hand the height of the computer at the desk or the shape of the chair could negatively or positively affect the way in which the first worker feels at the end of the day. On the other hand, the factory worker might need to hold his body in a certain way or move from side to side differently in order to maximize their comfort. One of the most important aspects of Ergonomic health is the dedication to and maintenance of excellent position-.

The emphasis on position-posture comes from the idea that there is a right way and a wrong way to hold the human body. The right way makes the body stronger and more able to withstand stress; the wrong way will increase the on the body and cause the individual to have discomfort or sometimes severe pain. Position-posture is important whether you are standing, sitting, supine (lying down, face up) or prone (lying down, face down). Good position-posture creates an alignment in the body that is preferable to the misalignment of an uncontrolled stature.

Though improved position-posture would greatly increase not only employee comfort but also employee output, it is a difficult improvement to implement as the average person does not have the ability to identity and rectify misaligned stances and bad position-posture on their own steam.

There are techniques to increase the likelihood that workers will be able to correct their own position-posture and increase their comfort and productivity. Techniques such as the Alexander Technique, teach these skills to the average person who may not otherwise be away of the ways in which they are holding their bodies. External programs like the Alexander Technique are necessary in order to educate workers about the ergonomic principles at work while they are doing their jobs and the immense benefit that good position-posture and joint positioning can bring to their own comfort. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/armrests/ergorest/ergorest.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/cursor/penmouse/wirelesspen_vm203.htm and http://www.ergo-items.com ]]> Golf Putt | Posture Secrets http://www.artwoo.com/article/golf-putt-posture-secrets http://www.artwoo.com/article/golf-putt-posture-secrets#comments Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:35:00 +0000 postureeyes in the mirrorproper stanceshouldersjack nicklaussupposedlygolf ball http://www.artwoo.com/article/golf-putt-posture-secrets posture. was the first great golfer who made it popular to put your eyes directly over the ball when you are putting. This is very hard to do for many golfers so it has been suggested that a small mirror can be placed on the green and your can then be placed right on top of the mirror.

Eyes over the ball - To see if your eyes are indeed over the ball, make sure and stand in such a way that you can actually see your own . If you can't see your own eyes, then you need to adjust your posture. A simpler method might be to let your putter hang from between your eyes and then make sure the club extends down directly over your golf ball. These techniques are great for getting the and alignment to the hole.

Placement of Your Feet - In terms of posture, it is also important to think about the way you place your feet and how you hold your body. If you typically miss your putts to the right, you may be standing too close to the ball. If you are missing to the left, you may be standing too far from the ball. These are not hard and fast rules but they are something to consider when you are adjusting your posture.

Over Hands - Your foot position will also effect the way your hands are hanging down from your shoulders. It is usually best if your hands are hanging directly beneath your shoulders. This will typically create a smoother stroke and a better direction on the ball. The most important consideration, however, is to keep your head and your body very still as you putt. You only need to move your arms and your hands. Nothing else!

Relax and Enjoy - Finally, it's important not to get too caught up with the mechanics of your putting. Some people will insist on certain grips that will be better than others. Finding a grip that is comfortable to you and experimenting with the various postures will eventually give you a stance that is right for you. Consider the basic techniques for improved posture and then settle into a stance that is most comfortable.

Stick with What Works for You- Once you determine that successful stance, go ahead and stick with it even when you have a bad day. Practice it until it becomes perfect. Too many golfers become overly concerned with each specific detail of their stance, changing things every week and never really settling in to a relaxed posture. Don't forget that a general relaxation and enjoyment of the game is paramount to having a successful swing and a low score. You have to have fun out there in order to truly enjoy the game! If you'd like to discover how you can play golf free then go to http://www.hotgolfsecrets.com - Claim Your free golf tips today and start having more fun on the fairway! For more great tips and other fun stuff You can also visit http://www.hotgolfblog.com ]]> Do You Sleep In Bad Posture To Cause Back Pain? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-sleep-in-bad-posture-to-cause-back-pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-sleep-in-bad-posture-to-cause-back-pain#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:35:00 +0000 back painbad posturespinal cordback musclesmuscle crampback bonedeform http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-sleep-in-bad-posture-to-cause-back-pain back pain and he will tell you, how difficult it is to live in such a state, where pain and agony haunts you every minute of the day. People, who suffer from acute affliction to this disorder, find it difficult to even carry on to their day-to-day activities.

Therefore, if back pain has just caught you, you need to act wisely. It is important for you to know the reason of your back pain and get it treated as soon as possible.

There can be many reasons that might be giving you back pain. Sleeping in a is just one of them. When you sleep in an inappropriate posture, your rests in a bad alignment. Sleeping regularly in bad postures can permanently the structure of your .

A deformed back bone is the house to many disorders. Bad postures not only deform your spinal cord but they also have a very bad impact on your . So the next morning when you wake up, you may suffer from a or a muscle-strain.

Our spinal cord is not straight but curved. Sleeping in bad postures extends the curve in your lower back. A curved back exerts stress on the muscles and soft bones in the neck. This type of back pain generally extends up to the mornings. Therefore, it becomes important for you to follow an appropriate sleeping posture that provides a natural support to your spine.

The best way is to consult a good medical practitioner, who will guide you to the best possible treatment for your back pain. Besides this, an important thing is the type of bed and the mattress that you use while sleeping. The mattress should be firm. While sleeping, try to keep a pillow under your head and also a pillow between your legs. This posture is very good in easing your back pain while sleeping.

Some people have the habit of sleeping on their stomachs. For such people, it is advised that they should try and sleep with a pillow under their stomach and not under the head. This posture reduces the unnecessary pressure on the back and the neck. To get more information visit http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Backpain-Guide.htm, http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Backpain-Treatment.htm and http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Lowbackpain-Relief.htm ]]> Learning To Meditate http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-meditate http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-meditate#comments Sat, 28 Jul 2007 14:20:00 +0000 meditation toolslearning to meditateproper postureeffects of stressreduce stresscrucialreligious connotations http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-meditate Learning to meditate can help you and rejuvenate your soul. Science has proven that reducing the ill can increase the quality of your life. It can also help prevent heart attacks and even cancer.

In reality, meditation is simply learning techniques that help you to relax. Unfortunately, many people associate meditation with religious beliefs. Although some religions do use meditation, the use of these techniques may be implemented without any .

Getting Started

Learning to meditate requires that you understand three separate principles. These steps of meditation are posture, breathing, and attitude. All of these concepts must be used together in order to achieve the maximum effects. Posture is a fundamental part of meditation. The posture for any relaxation should keep the spine straight. This will provide the proper circulation through your nerves and help you to stay alert.

Breathing is the most part of learning to meditate. You should take slow, even breaths that come from your diaphragm. It will take some practice to get the process down. The final step is all about focusing on the task, which is clearing your mind and concentrating on relaxing your body. This is often the most challenging part of meditation. Beginners often find that their mind will wonder into daily worries or daydreams. When this happens, simply refocus your attention back to meditation.

Tools of The Trade

There are things that you can do and purchase that will help you, when learning to meditate. Tapes, DVDs, and books offer step-by-step instructions on proper meditation. They can be extremely helpful to beginners. Chairs are produced specifically for the purpose of relaxation and meditation. They are designed to provide and help with breathing. You can also use mantras, which are simple chants that can help you stay focused. For more great ideas on learning to meditate check out the helpful advice at http://hubpages.com/hub/Learn_How_To_Meditate Learn How To Meditate ]]> Create A "Non Selling Posture..." http://www.artwoo.com/article/create-a-non-selling-posture http://www.artwoo.com/article/create-a-non-selling-posture#comments Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:27:10 +0000 quotironicallysynonymsguessdigging a holenegative stigmasounding http://www.artwoo.com/article/create-a-non-selling-posture quot;sellandquot; the prospect. We often start by asking questions but when we see that first opening (need)...bam, we're sellin'! Often, unintentionally, the andquot;feature benefit machine gunandquot; comes out and were blasting the prospect with our andquot;best stuff.andquot; They feel pressure and so do we!

One of the great challenges that face all of us in sales is the reputation that has been left by all of the andquot;amateursandquot; that have come before us. Whether you like to admit it or not, there is a still associated with the sales profession. Remember the old game andquot;passwordandquot;, I give you a word and you come up with clues (), to get the contestant to the word. If the word was andquot;salespersonandquot; what would some of your clues be?? I'm not asking you to think of yourself but of all those andquot;otherandquot; sales people out there. If you're honest, it's not pretty.

In my last post, on how to answer andquot;what makes you betterandquot;, I began to reveal the essence of the andquot;non selling postureandquot;. Saying anything or doing anything that typical sale people do will have you for yourself and on the fast track to creating andquot;samenessandquot;. The strategy will give you a label you really don't want. That's why it's so important to take a andquot;non selling postureandquot; and to not be afraid of a little negative. It will go a long way to building trust with your prospect and help you to avoid sounding like a typical andquot;sales personandquot;.

Don't be afraid, on new prospect calls, to start out by saying thing like:

I'm not sure we can help you.

Our product/program may not be what you need.

Why were you considering an option like this?

We're helping a lot of companies like yours, I'm not sure we can do the same for you.

On your next new account call try some of these phrases and see if taking a andquot;non sellingandquot; posture will remove some of the natural defensiveness from your prospect. It may seem awkward at first but most new behaviors do. I'm confident that this approach will pay dividends and improve your winning percentages! On second thought, andquot;maybe it won't work for you...andquot; John E. Hirth, is President and founding principal of Selling Dynamics, a sales force development, sales training and sales process consulting firm dedicated to increasing sales revenue and corporate profits. Email: jeh@sellingdynamics.com Website: http://www.johnhirth.com ]]> What Causes Upper Back Pain? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-causes-upper-back-pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-causes-upper-back-pain#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:20:01 +0000 degenerative disc diseasecauses of upper back painupper back painpoor posturestretching exerciseslifting heavy objectsrepetitive movements http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-causes-upper-back-pain Upper back pain is something a number of people around the world suffer from. Almost every one of us is susceptible to it. It is, therefore, important for all of us to know what causes it.

Besides accidental injury, a displacement of upper disc has been found to be among the leading . The parts of the body that are more frequently in motion are more susceptible to injuries, and since the upper back is quite stable in this regard, so the upper back is not easily hurt during . However, such condition as spinal stenosis, and herniated disc can indeed cause upper back pain. But it is not very common.

What has emerged as one of the most common causes is rather simple- wrong posture. That may sound quite an unlikely cause at first, but sitting for long hours in wrong posture can have disastrous affect on your back. And upper back is what a affects the worst.

Another cause can be a lack of strength in the upper back region. If the muscles of one's upper back are not strong enough the chances of injury increases. Simple everyday tasks might injure one's back, without one even coming to know of it. So, if you think you have a weak upper back, start strength building exercises for upper back.

Repetitive motion has also been found to be injurious for the upper back. For instance, if you work on a particular machine in a particular posture and the on the machine involve your upper back, the chances of your suffering from upper back pain are heightened.

The best cure for upper back pain in such situations is building the strength of your upper back. Weight training exercises, coupled with and yoga are found to be very effective in this regard.

Go about exercising systematically and under informed guidance so that you do not injure yourself in an attempt to make yourself stronger. It is important for you to understand that painkillers are not the way to go. You need to remove the very roots of your back pain. Medication, therefore, should be your last option and not the first one. Correct posture and regular physical exercise is the most effective answer to upper back pain. To get more information visit http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Backpain-Guide.htm, http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Backpain-Reasons.htm and http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/magazine/edition/Backpain-Treatment.htm ]]> Easy Back Workouts To Transform Your Back And Abs http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-back-workouts-to-transform-your-back-and-abs http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-back-workouts-to-transform-your-back-and-abs#comments Sun, 07 Oct 2007 20:30:00 +0000 workoutsgood posturepelvistransform your bodyexercise mathands and kneesspine http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-back-workouts-to-transform-your-back-and-abs workouts that work your body, yet are easy to do.

Easy Back Workouts

One of the easiest back workouts you can do is also very good for your back and abs. This will help you strengthen your back and help you improve posture. Here's how you do it.

Get on your on an . Look straight ahead, and align your back so that your is pointing like an arrow behind you.

What you want to do is allow your to drop toward the floor. Tightening up your abs will help you work them very well while you're doing these strengthening back workouts.

Don't push your pelvis, just allow it to drop. Your butt will be pointing out more, and your chest will be extended. Then you will lift your pelvis back up.

Keep your abs tightened and hold this position for five seconds. Then you will allow your pelvis to drop again. Repeat this exercise up to 15 times.

Start out with what feels comfortable for you. You can then work up to 15 repetitions. This is one of the easiest back workouts you can do, and it's low impact and will not damage your back.

This is a great way to learn how to have . A great tip for posture is to point the bottom of your sternum and your tail bone to the floor.

Stand up straight and imagine that your spine is an arrow pointing at the floor. Doing this and the great workout above will strengthen, and exercise your back.

Want to get a ripped back? http://www.backworkouts.net has a lot of fantastic and free back workouts that will strengthen your back and . Discover how to chisel and strengthen your back at http://www.backworkouts.net Jessica S also owns http://www.celebrityworkouts.net and http://www.pilatesworkouts.net ]]> Why Core Fitness Is Important http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-core-fitness-is-important http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-core-fitness-is-important#comments Sun, 06 Aug 2006 06:27:08 +0000 musclespoor posturetargetexercise sciencefitness worldfree weightsstrength training http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-core-fitness-is-important fitness world lately or perused the latest workout books, you've probably heard the experts referencing core fitness in some shape or form. Traditionally, has been dominated by exercises focused on isolating the of the arms and legs. In fact, if you look at many of the weight machines that have become popular in modern gyms, you'll notice that they require you to sit or recline while you use them.

While these machines will effectively help you build the muscles that they , the problem is that, in real life, we don't use our muscles that way. We lift a box from the floor to a shelf, swing a golf club, push our children on the swing set, or climb a rock wall. In fact, the vast majority of the things we do require all of the muscles in our bodies to function together and be coordinated through our mid-sections, or our "core."

While those activities may make the use of core muscles seem very obvious, this area, made up of the muscles of our midsection, are actually responsible for quite a few of the more subtle functions as well, including posture, balance and stability.

A weakened core will often result in and stability, yet we don't necessarily feel the results of it in areas that show us a direct cause and effect correlation. For example, poor posture, due to a weakened core, might allow our hips to slip out of alignment resulting in knee pain. In fact, quite a few of the chronic muscle and joint pain issues that

Americans are suffering with today stem from a weakened core.

It is no wonder, then, that has taken a dramatic shift in recent years to include the core in strength training regimes. Now, rather than using a machine to first exercise your legs and then your arms, trainers are suggesting that their clients use or bands to combine exercises such as a squat to overhead press. By linking the two, people are forced to transition the exercise movement through their core, and the core muscles in turn help to maintain good posture throughout the exercise. The end result is that we are exercising in a fashion that mimics the movements that we use in everyday life, while creating better posture and increasing our stability and balance. Bryan Ashbaugh has a Masters in Exercise and Sports Science and is Co-Founder and CEO of http://www.liveleantoday.com. He has authored many http://www.liveleantoday.com/article.cfm?id+373 fitness and nutrition articles. He has been in professional fitness for 8 years. If you want more information on other topics and a fitness and nutrition plan for you go to http://www.liveleantoday.com. ]]> There's Nothing Wrong With Playing Hard Too! http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-nothing-wrong-with-playing-hard-too http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-nothing-wrong-with-playing-hard-too#comments Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:08:21 +0000 good postureproper posturestrange weathercorn dogexercise routineshamstringsglutes http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-nothing-wrong-with-playing-hard-too strange weather for July! Normally June is our gloomy month but this year, June was nice and July has been overcast. I know, poor me. I went to the fair 4 times this year, had a and ice cream every time. I even had a few beers. I went to opening day at the race track, big deal here. I drank beer, ate some junk food. My weight before all this? 197 lbs. My weight now? 196 lbs. My point? You do not have to quit having fun to be in shape! Follow your and diets in your eBook (mix in exercises from the newsletter too!) 80% of the time and you will be fine, I promise. No one is perfect so don't expect perfection from yourself. Being that hard on yourself will set up failure. Who needs the pressure, life gives us enough! Have fun, this isn't a rehearsal.

Here's a good Leg and chest routine.

Dumbbell one-leg hip extension

Position the foot of the stationary leg straight ahead and hold the other leg forward and up in a bent knee position
1. Hold the dumbbells relaxed at the side of the body.Balance and create

2. Begin with the shoulders back and the spine and head in good posture. Exhale and activate the core

3. Slowly begin to inhale and lower the leg down and back to straighten it while leaning the upper body over as far as the allow. Let the dumbbells lower, keep them close to the body.

4. Continue to lean over and straighten the back leg while focusing on maintaining optimal posture and a level pelvic position

5. Hold and balance for a 3 second count. Then slowly begin to exhale, activate the core and pull the leg and torso back up to the starting position using the and hamstrings while maintaining . That's one rep. Do or work your way up to 10, then switch stationary legs. Work your way to/do 3 sets

Dumbbell and Swiss Ball one-arm Incline chest press

Position the body at a 45 degree angle on a swiss ball, with good posture and with the feet balanced firmly on the floor.

1. Pull the shoulders slightly together and position the dumbbell horizontal to the body and aligned straight over the shoulder.

2. Begin with the elbow pointed out, the wrist straight, and the core and trunk muscles contracted.

3. Begin to inhale and lower the arm while keeping the hand slightly inside the elbow and avoiding any rotation of the trunk.

4. Continue to lower the arm using a 4 second count until the upper arm is about parallel with the floor, with the hand slightly inside the elbow. Maintain good posture.

5. Hold for a one count, activate the core and press the arm and dumbbell back to the starting position using a 2 second count, while maintaining good posture. That's one rep, do 3 sets of 12.I am the founder/author of http://www.Got2manUp.com. I am a Certified Boxing Fitness Trainer as well as a former United States Marine. I am extremely passionate about working out and helping people achieve their fitness goals. I love to play tennis, exercise, go to Charger and Padre games.]]> What Is Ergonomics? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ergonomics#comments Sun, 27 Aug 2006 12:27:07 +0000 human factors and ergonomics societyposturehfesindustrial ergonomicsucddeviatesinadvertently http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ergonomics posture and constantly used muscles is referred to as Ergonomics. It is a body of knowledge about human character, human inadequacies and human abilities that are applicable to design. Ergonomic design is the treatment of this mass of knowledge to the design of tasks, systems, tools, machines, environments and jobs for safe, comfortable and effective human use. There are more than twenty technical subgroups within the , .

One discipline, often known as "," focuses on the physical aspects of work and human abilities such as posture, repetition and force. A second branch, sometimes known as "human factors," is dedicated to the psychological components of work such as mental loading and decision making.

Posture is the position of the body, as you're doing work tasks. Awkward posture is branded with a greater risk for harm. It is usually deemed that the more a joint from the neutral position, the larger the risk of serious harm and injury. Posture predicaments can be created by work methods (twisting and bending just to pick up a box; bending the wrist to assemble a part) or workplace elements (stretched reach to grab an item from a bin at a hard-to-reach location; slouching in the storage bay of a jet plane because of confined space while handling the luggage).

Human factors matters continue to rise in simple systems and consumer products. Some examples contain wireless telephones and other handheld devices that persist to shrink, yet become more complex. A few examples of this is the excess of VCRs blinking "12:00" across the world due to a select number of people who can figure out how to program them, or alarm clocks that allow weary users to turn off the alarm when they mean to hit 'snooze'. A user-centered design () desires to enhance the user-system fit.

An ergonomics specialist can analyze people and can advise changes in the workplace. From the start, employees should be taught suitable posture as they learn the use of computers, machines and tools. They should be encouraged to maintain a natural pace and take advantage of their breaks. In some cases, medical treatment is required. Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections may be prescribed. Surgery may be possible if other methods fail. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/zero_tension_mouse.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoLance.com ]]> Bad Posture Ruins Good Swings http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-posture-ruins-good-swings http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-posture-ruins-good-swings#comments Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:27:07 +0000 spine anglegood golf swinggood posturegolfersstanceswing hipsswing angle http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-posture-ruins-good-swings golfers of just about all levels.

Of course you want to feel relaxed of the golf ball as you set up to it... but not so relaxed that you're all hunched over approaching a fetal position!

You want to be relaxed, but you want to be firm enough to support a position of that will create a proper at address and throughout your golf swing.

Let's start from the feet up as we breakdown the individual components of a posture.

The Feet: I like to have people's foot positioning to be just slightly 'duck footed'. With each of your fee pointed in slight outward position, your hips will be able to rotate more comfortably on the backswing promoting a good turn and by the same token, you hips will able to rotate and clear easier as you come through the shot.

The : The longer the club the wider the stance -- about shoulder width for the driver -- coming closer together as the clubs shorten.

The Weight Distribution: I like to couch much of my instruction based on neutral positioning. As golfers we are always making adjustments here and there, but you need to know where a 'neutral point' is that you can always find your way back to if needed. Distribute your weight evenly with it resting slightly on the insteps of each foot.

Legs: Knees should be slightly flexed in order to maintain your balance throughout your golf swing. Not enough flex results in greater spine angle (in order to sole the club) which in turn results in too steep of a . Too much flex results in too little of a spine angle and consequently a flat swing.

Hips and Back: Bend from hips. Don't curl with your abdominals. Bending from hips keeps your back flat and at the correct angle. This creates a consistent axis that your swing will revolve around.

Shoulders: Your right shoulder will be slightly lower than the left because your right hand is lower on the grip. As such your spine will tilt slightly to the right... but keep your back flat.

Head: An extension of the line established by proper back and spine alignment. Don't tuck your chin. Among other things tucking your chin will get it in the way of your shoulder turn and either cause a loss of power or a movement of your head as your left shoulder tries to turn through.

When you begin learning this posture for the first time or re-addressing your posture after perhaps developing some bad habits, it will feel a bit unnatural. Be patient, and persistent, allow your muscles some time to acclimate and strengthen.

Posture is extremely important to the success and consistency of your golf shots.

Don't build your swing on a house of cards. Jeff O`Brien's teaching experience offers insightful golf tips to get your golf game on track . Be sure to visit www.http://www.golf-ology.com/golf-beginner.html for online golf lessons, great prices on golf clubs, and much more. ]]> Computer Workstations:good Ergonomic Working Positions http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-workstationsgood-ergonomic-working-positions http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-workstationsgood-ergonomic-working-positions#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 14:27:07 +0000 computer workstationbody posturecorrect posturethings to rememberneutral bodytorsomuscles http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-workstationsgood-ergonomic-working-positions muscles especially among older adults. Everyone is different; there is no that will fit everyone. To understand the appropriate way to set up a , it's important to understand the concept of ' positioning'.

Neutral body positioning is a more comfortable working posture in which a persons muscle joints are naturally aligned. Positioning ones body in a neutral position reduces strain in the muscles and skeletal system. This will reduce a person's risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The following are important when maintaining a neutral when you are busy at work in your computer workstation:

- A person's hands, wrists, and forearms should remain in a straight position parallel to the floor.

- The head should remain level, or slightly bent and tilted forward. This should be in-line with the .

- The shoulders should be relaxed and the upper arms should hang naturally at the side of the body.

- The elbows should stay close to the body and slightly bent between 90-120 degrees.

- A persons feet should be completely supported by floor or footrest.

- A persons back must be supported with an appropriate lumbar support while sitting vertical or leaning back.

- The hips and thighs should be supported by a padded seat cover and parallel to the floor.

Apart from how well your working posture is, working or sitting still for a prolonged period of time is not healthy. It is recommended that a person change their working position often throughout the course of their day in the following ways:

Make random adjustments to your back rest or chair.

Slightly stretch your torso, hands, fingers and arms.

Try to avoid sitting for a prolonged time and stand up or walk around for a couple of minutes throughout the course of the day..

These mini-exercise techniques are examples of changes in body posture that provide neutral positioning for the body. Using proper ergonomic routines throughout the day will not only help you feel healthier, it will help you be more productive in whatever you do throughout the course of the day. Whether you are at home working on a hobby, studying or at work, using ergonomics is a healthy choice. You can log onto the Internet to find out further information about this topic. Leon Groom writes about http://www.Ergo-Items.com/, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoArm.com ]]> A Beginner's Guide To Yoga Asanas http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-beginners-guide-to-yoga-asanas http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-beginners-guide-to-yoga-asanas#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2006 18:27:09 +0000 yoga asanasyoga asanayoga posturesyoga practicesbalance yogayoga practicesitting posture http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-beginners-guide-to-yoga-asanas Yoga postures. There are good number of asanas offering different exercises to body as well as mind. If you are the one who has just made a tryst with Yoga, you would be first of all made to do basic . These basic asanas are only meant to make your body accustomed to s. You get accustomed to yoga practice by gaining increased flexibility through basic asanas.

Asanas are very helpful in bringing rejuvenation to your body and mind. Asana happens to be one of the limbs of yoga practices. You learn tolerance, balance, patience and perseverance through yoga asana.



Asanas could be done in a seated position, standing position, turning and twisting posture, supine and balancing posture. Each posture comprises of not less than twenty asanas that could be further classified into three levels, beginner's asanas, middle level asanas and complex .

Standing asanas are of great help in strengthening legs and lower muscles of your body. Sitting asanas are focused on making your hips and lower portion of back stronger. postures are exceptionally helpful in improving your mental condition. It also strengthens muscles. Twisting and turning asanas contribute greatly to your enhanced flexibility. And relaxation postures bring required tranquility and peace to your mind thus resulting in total mental rejuvenation.

Some popular asanas are as follows-

Shvasana: It is known as corpse pose. The asana requires you to lie on back in a completely rested state.

Utkatasna: This yoga asana happens to be awkward for many as the pose needs to be in a sitting position without chair. While keeping this pseudo sitting pose you are instructed to raise your hands towards sky or ceiling.

Padmasana: It is a with erected back. You are also made to place your legs on opposite thighs. This asana tests your tolerance level.

Dhanurasana: It is a bit complex asana which is also known as bow position. You are made to lie with the help of your stomach and thighs with raised legs and hands taking hold of legs by raising upper portion of body. Resultant postures happen to be bow shaped.

Vajrasana: This posture demands you to bend on your knees in such a way that your hips could be placed on corresponding foots or ankles. You are also directed to rest your hands on knees.

Navasana: In this asana you are required to lift both of your legs while being in a sitting posture. Legs should make an angle of forty five degree from the surface of floor.

All these asanas are a great mixed bunch of easy and complex asanas. If you happen to be a beginner you should only opt for asanas for beginners. And practice them for your holistic health improvement. The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on yoga visit http://www.therealyoga.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.therealyoga.com/yoga-postures/ and http://www.therealyoga.com/yoga-tips/ ]]> Improve Your Posture And Look 10 Pounds Thinner Instantly! http://www.artwoo.com/article/improve-your-posture-and-look-10-pounds-thinner-instantly http://www.artwoo.com/article/improve-your-posture-and-look-10-pounds-thinner-instantly#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:34:59 +0000 poor postureinternal organspot bellymid sectionmeasuring taperibcagedownward pressure http://www.artwoo.com/article/improve-your-posture-and-look-10-pounds-thinner-instantly


That's right =96 improving posture can help you look pounds thinner instantly. Here's why. When the upper back slumps forward, your presses down onto your lungs and . This puts a on the midsection. Your internal organs have nowhere to go except down and out, instantly making your mid-section wider, by several inches, than it really is. Slumping also forces your belly to protrude more which actually adds to and accentuates a .



That's right - instantly adds a couple of inches to your mid-section and makes your mid-section and belly appear larger than they really. And what person do you know feels they look better with a larger waistline and belly? No one that I know needs or wants a larger waist and belly.

Try this little test. Pretend you are waiting for a bus or an elevator and assume your normal stance. Place a cloth around your waist. Now lift up your rib cage slightly, as if a string attached to your breastbone were pulling it toward the ceiling. Check the tape measure again and you will see that you can pull that tape measure a good few inches tighter. Your waistline will instantly lose an inch or two in girth.

Clearly posture matters. Your mother was right when she told you to straighten up. And you have probably heard, many times throughout your life, that you need to stand up straight. But has anyone ever shown you exactly how to do this? When most people try to improve their posture, they jam their shoulders back and stand as stiff as soldiers.



This is wrong not only because no one can sustain this position for more than a few seconds, but also because it does not align the body properly. Standing up straight and improving alignment is more than just trying to jam your shoulders back as this position looks odd and unnatural and actually puts more stress and tension in your neck and upper back muscles. Many people tend to hold too much tension in this area anyway. The last thing we need to do is add more.



You know you have good posture, when from a side view, your ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle are in a straight line. Janice Novak's 'One Minute To Better Posture Technique' will have you standing straighter instantly. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

1. Stand with your feet about 6 inches apart. Your knees should be straight, but not locked.

2. Inhale. As you exhale, pull your belly button towards your spine, just like you would if you were trying to zip up a tight pair of pants.

3. Next, lift your ribcage. Think of separating the bottom of your rib cage from your hip bones, as if a string attached to your breastbone was pulling the rib cage up slightly towards the ceiling. This little movement helps flatten the upper back and realigns your head over your shoulders, and instantly slims your waistline.

4. Gently press your shoulders down, away from your ears. Pull your shoulder blades back, towards the spine, then press them down, as if you wanted to tuck your shoulder blades into your back pockets. This movement will instantly un-round your shoulders. Janice Novak has a Master's Degree in Health and Physical Education and is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker and wellness consultant. Her program improves health, decreases sick days and improves productivity, alertness, energy and motivation. Visit http://www.improveyourposture.com/index.html ]]> How To Treat Upper Back Pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-treat-upper-back-pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-treat-upper-back-pain#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:43:59 +0000 upper back painlower back painanti inflammatory medicinepoor posturerecovery exercisespillowibuprofen http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-treat-upper-back-pain Upper back pain is primarily a result of irritation of muscles and while it is not as common as , it can be very painful and restrictive.

Many people are suffering upper back pain caused by work conditions, and and stress are often the cause.

Here's a quick test. Next time you are at your computer just pause for a second and take note of your posture. Chances are your shoulders are hunched and you are leaning forward.

Now sit with your back straight. Even better get a chair that allows you to sit comfortably with your back in it. See how different your posture is now?

Try to pay attention to your posture on a regular basis. You'll be surprised how often you catch yourself in the wrong position, but are able to self-correct and help your back.

You might on occasion find yourself waking up with upper back pain. If it's a common occurrence, chances are that it's your that's at fault.

When you first get a pillow, you head is a couple of inches off the mattress. But over time, the pillow gets flattened, and your head may only be half an inch off the mattress. This shift in position could be what's making you more susceptible to upper back pain.

Aggressive treatment for upper back pain

A great way to treat upper back pain, especially throbbing upper back pain, is icing. Ice your upper back 3-4 times per day for 10 -- 15 minutes, for two days.

Talk with your doctor about anti-inflammatory medicine such as . My experience has been that the doctor will advise a stronger dosage than what's on the label and that can accelerate your recovery.

Exercises for upper back pain

If your pain is bad and lasts for a few days, go and see your doctor. Chances are that he will start you on exercises for your upper back to help recover from injury. Exercises that are often recommended include the following which should only be done after being advised by your doctor:

1.Standing in the corner of a room, about two feet or so from the wall. Put your hands on the walls at chest height. Then lean in to the corner until your shoulders are level with your hands. You will feel the stretch across your upper back and shoulders. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Don't lean in past your shoulders though since this can cause injury.

2.Stand or sit up straight. Now pull back your shoulder blades so that it feels that you are trying to touch them. Feel the stretch across your chest and shoulders.

Don't try and rush your recovery from upper back pain. Follow your doctor or physiotherapist's advice and you'll increase your chances of being pain free sooner rather than later. Frank Thornton writes regularly on health and fitness issues. Learn more about back pain and treatment at http://www.relievingyourbackpain.com ]]> Fundamental Yoga Positions and Postures http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamental-yoga-positions-postures http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamental-yoga-positions-postures#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:27:09 +0000 perfect posturejanuobtuse angleleft legspinelegscoerce http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamental-yoga-positions-postures Janu sirsasana: the correct placement of the foot

With the stretched uniformly in front, sit up straight. Place the foot so the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh, whilst bending the right leg at the knee. Press the knee back and form an with the body, turning the foot so that its bottom is on the upward side. Don't yourself as initially this position will be difficult. Beneath the hips and the knees put a folded blanket. The knee will gradually move back further. The correct position of the foot should be maintained.

Janu sirsasana: correct and

The foot and the knee being positioned properly keep the leg firmly on the mat extending the out. Extend the toe up by settling the heel steadily. (Pull the heel gently, from the ankle further). Catching the foot with hands, inhale and bend forward over the straight leg. Initial starters should bend without rounding the back only up to the limit they can. The body would then roll forward over the extended leg, completely flattened from tail bone to the head, after this posture has been done properly. Remain there as long as you can breathe normally. Thereafter breathe in, release the handhold. Coming up smoothly straighten the bent leg and relax thereafter. The other side is then repeated

Janu sirsasana: wrong posture

Against own thigh the heel is unpositioned. An obtuse angle has not been formed as the knee has not been pushed to its limit. The pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly as a result the back remains humped and curved. The lumber is stretched too far and the constricted instead of a smooth complete stretching of the spine. On the floor the left leg neither is positioned flat.

Triang mukhaipada paschimottanasana - sitting forward bending posture on one leg

The previous posture generally comes before this one. With your legs extended in front, sit up. Further with the right foot close to the right hip, bend the right leg. Point back the toes. Against the right thigh the right calf is pressed. In order to keep the hips balanced and the forward stretch even and stretched, put a little towel beneath the left buttock, as the body will bend in this posture. Taking hold of the foot of the extended leg is strenuous for most students at this stage. There is no need to be disheartened. Which ever position represents your best extension, hold your knee, shin and ankle, by sitting and breathing deeply. This will take time if your spine is not pliable enough and your back is tight. Straighten the bent leg and release the hold and repeat on the other side thereafter. Shumam Fasi is involved with an online yoga project that informs and educates the yoga enthusiast through well-written articles. Discover the timeless wisdom of Yoga meditation, breathing, and positions, as well as reviews on Yoga videos, mats, accessories, and much more... http://www.yoga-advice.org ]]> Preventing Rsi With Your Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-rsi-with-your-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-rsi-with-your-children#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:27:08 +0000 repetitive stress injurycomputer workstationsgood posturecomputer environmentcomputer ageuse computerworkstation http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-rsi-with-your-children repetitive stress injury and children the effects can be long lasting. Since the dawn of the , children are in front of the computer more and more for both entertainment and educational reasons. As a result of this and over time, this can cause swollen hands, fingers, neck, and back problems in kids that will have the effect of the child sitting incorrectly for long periods of time.

There are measures you can take to help keep children avoid the onset of repetitive stress as they sit at the computer.

For example, if a child has reason to be at the computer, you should limit their sessions to no more than a couple of hours.

If a child is at the computer longer than a couple hours, they may begin to feel pain. It is essential to insure that your child stays active. Make sure that they have their outside time... particularly after being on the computer.

Even though children will occasionally need to research items for reports and other projects, this research rarely requires the child sit at the computer for hours on end and doing so only increases the risk of some type of repetitive stress injury. Encouraging your child to run, play, and maintain a natural childlike activity schedule is the best way to help prevent injury caused by sitting in one place for extended periods of time.

A child's should include a that fits the child. When children use suited for adults, their posture is many times compromised by the simple fact that it is a bad fit. In addition, parents should not try to overcome the lack of this poor fit with the use phone books or other items to lift the child up in the seat. This type of temporary fix will create unhealthy posture and could even affect your child's circulation.

A good fitting workstation (and one that is adjustable as they grow) is more than a good investment for your child. It will help them maintain and they won't have to look up at the screen; as looking up at the screen for too long can cause neck and back pain and eventual injury. Repetitive stress injury in children is just to easy to avoid and prevent; it should never be an issue with just some of these simple common sense precautions.

Teaching your kids the importance of good posture and developing good heath care habit go a long way toward preventing repetitive stress injury -- not only throughout their childhood, but throughout their entire life.

In summary, RSI can be prevented be practicing good posture and by not spending too much time on their computer and taking frequent breaks for activity.

Remember, your children will not intuitively know of these risks, it will be up to you to teach your child and be sure to follow up to ensure they stay safe will being productive on the computer.nt injury.

RSI is one of the leading causes of injury at the workplace. Teaching children at a young age will help prevent this type injury later in life. For more important information on repetitive stress injury be sure to visit http://www.rsi-aid.com where you will find advice and tips on repetitive stress injury/repetitive strain injury and how to prevent, treat, and relieve RSI ]]> The Role Rula Assessments Play In Occupational Ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:15:02 +0000 rulapostureuniversity of nottinghamvdu usersintervalsriskassessment requirements http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics RULA is a analysis screening tool that provides a rapid assessment of the relative risk relating to a worker's performance. RULA assesses biomechanical and postural loading on the whole body with particular attention to the neck, trunk and upper limbs.

The tool was developed Dr Lynn McAtamney, a co-founder of COPE, leaders in Occupational Ergonomics, in conjunction with Professor Nigel Corlett, of .

A RULA assessment requires little time to complete, no specialist equipment and the scoring generates an action list which indicated the level of intervention required to reduce the risks of injury due to physical loading on the operator.

RULA is intended to be used as part of a broader ergonomic study. The reliability and validity of the tool was established in a series of studies conducted with and sewing machine operators.

RULA is of particular assistance in fulfilling the of both the European Community Directive (90/270/EEC) on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment and the UK Guidelines on the prevention of work-related upper limb disorders

Step 1 - Observing and selecting the (s) to assess

RULA is used to assess moments of a work cycle by observing the range of postures adopted whilst undertaking tasks prior to selecting the posture(s) for assessment. Depending upon the type of assessment, selection may be made of the longest held posture or what appears to be the worst posture(s) adopted. For example, when the work cycle is long or the postures are varied it may be more appropriate to take an assessment at regular . It will be evident that, if assessments are taken at set intervals over the working period, the proportion of time spent in the various postures can be evaluated.

Step 2 - Scoring and recording the posture

Decide whether the left, right or both upper arms are to be assessed. Score the posture of each body part using the electronic tool. Review the scoring and make any adjustments if required. Select calculation button.

Step 3 - Action Level

The grand score is compared to the Action Level List. Since the human body is a complex and adaptive system, they provide a guide for further action. In most cases, to ensure efficient and effective control of any risks identified, the actions lead to a detailed investigation. This is described further in "Reducing the Risks of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders: A Guide and Methods" available from The Institute for Occupational Ergonomics. James Bowden is a Director of COPE, the UK's premier occupational Health and Saftey, Occupational Ergonomics and Manual Handling specialists http://www.copeohs.com ]]>