Posture refers to how the body is positioned when standing, sitting, or lying down. It involves both the arrangement of the limbs and the carriage of the body as a whole. Posture can be both a conscious and unconscious manifestation of how we hold ourselves. Posture is not only about physical positions but also extends to symbolic stances or attitudes that individuals or groups adopt in various contexts, such as a mental or spiritual attitude or a strategic positioning in response to circumstances.
The term also encompasses the idea of posturing, which can imply adopting an artificial body position or attitude, often to create a specific impression or to convey a particular stance in a non-physical sense, such as a political posture. In physical terms, maintaining good posture involves aligning the body to reduce stress on the ligaments, muscles, and bones, supporting overall health and functionality.
Posture is dynamic and individualized, influenced by physical conditions and the environment, and no universally “correct” posture applies to everyone. It is an active state, even in seemingly static positions, with the body making continuous adjustments to maintain balance and alignment. Various types of posture, such as lordotic, sway back or forward head, describe specific ways the body can align, each with its implications for physical health.
