Top Sports Activities for an Improved Posture and Healthy Body

We all have been there, working a day long in the wrong posture, sitting with shoulders slumped and our backs curved. This bad posture affects not only the way we look but also our health in long run. A study by the American Physical Therapy Association states that having proper posture is essential to maintain physical fitness while strengthening muscles and improving performance in sports. According to an article titled “The Beginner Youth Bow Diamond Prism,” having an active lifestyle, such as being an archer, with proper posture can result in a healthier body and improved posture. Today, let’s talk about some of the best sports activities that can be beneficial for having an improved posture.

Archery

Let’s start simple. Archery is an activity that requires full body engagement to ensure accuracy. It engages your core and helps you maintain proper posture when aiming for the target. When focusing on the target, archers must stand tall and be mindful of their posture. This helps improve overall balance and stability in the body. In fact, many archers find that their posture naturally improves throughout their practice as they focus on maintaining it.

Plus, your eye-hand coordination and focus will significantly improve from one exercise to another. So don’t you think it’s time to pick up a bow and arrow?

Yoga

Without a doubt, yoga is great for postural alignment. Not only does it help improve core strength, balance, and stability, but it also helps you maintain proper posture while performing various poses. Yogis learn how to adjust their bodies to achieve the correct posture and eventually become mindful of their body as a whole. As you become more aware and conscious of your posture, it will be easier for you to maintain that same posture even when you’re not doing yoga. Specific types of yoga, such as Ashtanga and Iyengar, are known for their postural alignment benefits.

Horseback Riding

Did you know that horseback riding is an excellent way to improve posture? The key is to learn how to sit atop the horse in a balanced, symmetrical position. As you ride, your body needs to be properly aligned and adjusted to match the movements of the horse. This helps with balance and stability while engaging your core muscles — both essential components for improved posture. Plus, the rhythmic movements of the horse also help to relax your back muscles, thus leading to a healthier posture.

 

Swimming

Not only can swimming be a fun activity, but it can also be beneficial for improving posture. Swimming encourages you to maintain proper alignment as you move through the water, and this helps build core strength and stability over time. As with horseback riding, swimming is low-impact which means that your joints won’t be taking any strain — allowing you to focus on postural alignment instead.

Overall, these are some of the best sports activities you can do to help improve your posture and overall physical health. Make sure to consult a fitness instructor or physical therapist if you have any doubts about which activity is right for you. Now that you know what types of activities can help you improve your posture, why not give them a twirl? Who knows, you might just find yourself with a healthier, straighter posture — and your body will thank you for it. Godspeed.