High Power Posture for High Performers

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Power is the name and posture is the game! Ignite your inner flame and add a little pep to your step, today is going to be a great day! Why? Because when you have a power posture, you have the ability to empower your mind and body. So pull back your shoulders, tuck in your tummy, and look straight ahead. A good power posture opens your body to be in a powerful state and dominate your day with high performance.

The typical 21st century posture is anything but powerful. The majority of the population presents with a closed, slumped forward posture contributing to the onset of many modern-day health disturbances such as migraines, fatigue, and respiratory and digestive issues. Rounded shoulders and forward head posture is a modern day epidemic in our society often caused by poor postural habits. Are you guilty of this?

How about this during a long day at the office?

Wouldn’t you rather look like this?

High power postures are open posture.  The social dimension of our bodies is expressed through the arms and shoulders.  When your arms are crossed and shoulders forward, it demonstrates weakness, anger, or fear.  Open posture, with your shoulders back and hands on your hips, demonstrates power and high performance.

Research demonstrates that holding a power posture can change the dynamic of your physiology. Holding a power posture for even as few as 2 minutes has been demonstrated to increase levels of testosterone and reduce levels of cortisol produced in the body.  Testosterone is the hormone associated with power and dominance.  Cortisol is the stress hormone (often associated with weight gain).  Simply changing your posture can change the physiologic function of your body to be in a state of power instead of stress!

Proper posture is also associated with higher levels of confidence and self-security. Especially during adolescents and developmental phases for teenagers. Those who present with a nice erect posture demonstrate more confidence and superiority among their peers. Those with a slumped forward posture, on the contrary, appear timid and shy.

In the game of life, the most confident person wins. Next time you approach a stressful situation, or feel off your A-game, combine a power posture with nice diaphragmatic breaths. This will calm your nerves and empower your mind and body to vibrate at a higher level of authority.

Written By:
Dr. Krista Burns DC, DrHA, CPEP, CPS
Doctor of Chiropractic
Doctor of Health Administration
Certified Postural Specialist
Co-Founder American Posture Institute

Posture by Design, Not by Circumstance
www.AmericanPostureInstitute.com

Dr. Krista Burns
Dr. Krista Burns, co-founder of the American Posture Institute, is dedicated to the development and expansion of the American Posture Institute as the number one recognized leader in postural correction and postural certification programs in the world. She graduated with honors as a Doctor of Chiropractic from the prestigious university Palmer College of Chiropractic. Passionate about furthering her education, she completed a Ph.D. in Health Administration with an emphasis in Health Policy. To further her clinical expertise she completed certifications as a Certified Postural Specialist, Certified Posture Exercise Professional, and a Specialist in Functional Chiropractic Neurology. She is an inspiring public speaker and has been a featured presenter at forums such as the International Functional Medicine Conference in Italy and the Women’s Leadership Summit in the United States. Dr. Burns is a published author and researcher in the field of health and wellness. As a recognized health expert, she has been featured on Sport Magazine televised program, CYOU TV live radio program, and as a contributing author to L’Accademia del Fitness national health magazine. She is also the founder and President of the League of Chiropractic Women-Europe, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the chiropractic profession. In addition to her esteemed professional accomplishments, she has always had a love for fitness. As a teenager she was a competitive member of the United States Freestyle Development Ski Team, and a qualifier for the US National Championships and North American Competition skiing circuit. Her love for sports continues, as she is currently a recognized fitness competitor for the International Federation of Bodybuilders. She was a top finisher in the Northern Italian Championships, qualifying her for her top 10th finish in the Italian National Championships as a Bikini competitor. Dr. Burns has a passion for all things “health.” She lives the advice she gives. Her superior personal work ethic is demonstrated by her continuous devotion to academics, her admired professional accomplishments, her role as a woman leader in the chiropractic profession, and her successes as a professional athlete.