The Right Way to Stand

Are you standing all wrong? Posture is something that's often talked about when we're sitting but standing equally if not more important. Osteoporosis and low bone density currently affects an estimated 55% of the population over the age of 50 in the United States. This means that 1 in 8 people over the age of 50 will have it at some point in their lives. It is estimated that about 54 million Americans are affected by the condition, a statistic that is thought to climb to 61 million people by 2020.

When you stand your glutes should be slightly contracted. Low back pain? This could be the root cause. 

Most men lazily stand with shoulder slumped over and their weight shifted into their right hip. People tend to favor their right side biologically. 

When you frequently stand that way, your body almost gets ‘stuck’ there and  your hips will tend to return to that position. 

So when you hit the gym, you’re in trouble. Your compromised stance can cause your hips and shoulders to become tight over time. And that stiffness leads to immobility, making it impossible to use correct form in many exercises.

The best way to stand is with your feed forward instead of flared out, glutes and abs should be slightly contracted and shoulders externally rotated. 

Your body will inevitably tire of this position, but try not to go back to your regular standing position. Prop your foot on a low box or bench while keeping your shoulders externally rotated and your glutes activated. 

You can also try to stand with your right foot slightly in front of your left. That helps you shift your weight to your left leg and into your left hip. Don't get stuck there either. Divide your time between the left and right hip. Try switching every 10 minutes. 

Readjust your shoulders often so they don't slump over.  Never get to comfortable standing, this is a sure sign that you're not standing right and your posture is slipping into bad form.