Health clubs know the value of good posture; they just need the proper space for posture assessments. One of the many benefits of a permanent posture screening area is that it will market itself when members wonder about its function. Setting up an assessment area is simple and will not require expensive equipment. All that is necessary is a 7’x 4′ level wall space, a grid with horizontal and vertical lines (for a backdrop) and a digital or Polaroid camera. A picture says a thousand words.
Without posture education in health clubs, people would continue to slump over their computers, slouch in their seats and decrease in height, never knowing that a proper fitness program could prevent this. Parents correct children to stand or sit up straight when chances are, they themselves do not demonstrate good posture or even know why it is important. It is doubtful they were ever informed about repetitive faulty movements and the effects that tight, weak muscles combined with gravity have on the body. A posture assessment screening program educates and informs members of posture deviations. It stresses what “good posture” really means and where they should focus in workouts to achieve desired results. Members need to know that specific exercise programs designed for their posture can create subtle changes over time. Reprogramming faulty posture patterns can improve appearance, movement and decrease pain. Becoming informed and aware initiates the momentum for change to happen. When people see their deviations, it gives them the impetus to work out and stay physically fit. It can also increase the revenue with personal training sessions and class attendance.
Health clubs are an obvious place to provide this valuable visual information. Members need guidance from a trained professional who has knowledge in both posture and anatomy. In addition, posture assessment photographs are most effective when articulated by someone knowledgeable in both areas. Chiropractors and physical therapist do posture assessments. Your trainers should also.
Make sure to post the benefits of good posture on your bulletin boards. (It is rudimentary information that is often forgotten.) Correct posture allows for better physical appearance, breathing, stability, coordination and circulation. It aids in mental development, confidence, strength, stamina and improves agility and balance.
Top 10 Benefits for a Posture Screening Area in your club:
1. Attracts new members.
2. Provides documentation.
3. Allows for thorough fitness assessments.
4. Permits opportunities to contact previous members.
5. Increases personal training sessions.
6. Provides a base line to measure results.
7. Allows custom design workout programs according to members’ posture needs.
8. Inspires members to be proactive (inside and outside of the club).
9. Demonstrates the effects of poor posture on joints, ligaments and overall well-being.
10. Permits opportunities to educate how valuable good posture is in workouts, athletics and daily living.
Posture assessment pictures can inspire and motivate members to be more proactive in fitness programs. When members see themselves standing in front of a posture grid, the impact of their deviations becomes clearer. A few of the more common deviations include: tilted or forward head, kyphosis of the upper back, one shoulder higher than the other, one limb shorter than the other, hyper-extended joints, excessive lordosis of lumbar spine or flat back, bow or knock knees and pronated or supinated feet. Members should be encouraged to move beyond aesthetic information in photographs and understand how posture affects mechanical function in movement.
Health clubs have the opportunity to teach members about the value of “good posture” and how the human body was designed to stack up. The line bisects vertically and extends from the ear to the acromial process. It continues through the greater trochanter of the femur, slightly behind the patella and one-inch anterior, to the lateral malleolus. Ideal skeletal alignment used as a standard is consistent with sound scientific principles. It involves a minimal amount of stress and strain, and is conducive to maximum efficiency.
Ideal standard posture is the guideline; improving members’ posture is the goal.
Deborah Lueke is the President of The Posture Company. She can be contacted at 214.559.9818, or by email atinfo@posturecompany.com.
