Often we look to change things from without – like the configuration of your desk setup – but I believe you need to start from within. And because the focus of this article series is on health and productivity, we need to begin with talking about your personal configuration: postural alignment.

In Part One, I spoke about the efficacy of this program, so let’s forego the lengthy discussion on first rib angles, forward head posture, stress on spinal muscles and ligaments and get right to it.

The easiest way to get all your parts into the proper alignment is to lengthen your spine.



Some people do this best by moving as if being pulled upright from a wire that is attached to the crown of the skull. This works great for people who are naturally “sky orientated”, but for those that are “ground orientated” another technique works better: press against the ground with your feet as you push through your body and out the top of your head.

If doing this results in your posture looking like Figure A in the illustration, excellent. Keep it up.

Chances are it won’t be exactly like in the picture and you’ll feel areas of tightness that are keeping you from achieving this balanced look. That can be good as well, because now you’ve identified the areas that are creating the barrier to superior posture and which need stretching. 
(I’ll address those stretches in a future installment.)

Both of these postural alignment techniques can be used either seated or standing to keep the pelvis, spine, and head in good alignment. But from whatever position you choose to practice, the result is less stress on the neck and back and reduced compression on the nerves that run throughout the torso and limbs.

And they can be practiced every moment you are standing, sitting, or walking.

Next installment: Thoracic Mobilization-Take the Pressure Off Your Nerves


The author, Patrick Welch, is a accomplished corrective exercise specialist who has been employed by such diverse clients as top executives at Microsoft to professional athletes.

Having the proper computer set up is essential for maintaining a healthy position when seated or standing.
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