Ep 173: Is Posture a Thing?

In recent years there has been significant backlash against the idea that posture is related to good health. Join biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram for a philosophical, historical and biological journey into the controversies around posture. Katy and Jeannette discuss whether posture is really a thing; is ‘good’ posture important or does your body work just fine regardless of how you hold it? Have we simply inherited postural ideals that are remnants of cultural, social and political baggage? Katy and Jeannette tease this out by discussing definitions of posture, the history of postural ideals and the difficulty in relating pain to posture. They turn to extreme examples of posture and Katy’s work in alignment to offer a more nuanced perspective on posture and physical experience in terms of load to tissues over time. Enhanced Show Notes & Full Transcript Chapters:00:04:05 - When you hear the word "posture" what do you think 00:06:20 - The Dynamic Collective 00:07:30 - Definitions, is posture a thing, and is good posture a thing? 00:22:50 - Good Posture? No Posture? Posture Parameters? 00:30:25 - Loads, Alignment, and posture 00:41:05 - Consequences of positions vs posture 00:47:20 - Listener Question sponsored by Wildling Books & Articles Mentioned:The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn The Rise and Fall of American Posture by David Yosifon & Peter N. Stearns My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanConnect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors: Movemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflowSmart Playrooms, design and products to keep your kids engaged and active at homeCorrect Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoesWildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materialsVenn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the officePeluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activities. Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits