Why Stress Proper Posture
Poor posture can slow a client’s progress simply by not allowing them the ability to move through a full range of motion, recruiting all muscles necessary and available to perform said exercise. Minimal muscle action also does not burn the same amount of calories as full recruitment. And lastly, poor posture with exercise can lead to injury which can keep the client from exercising all together which would be the biggest hindrance to their goal.
A proper movement assessment requires one to have a great understanding of anatomy and biomechanical function to look closely at the Human Movement System. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has devised a structured way for health and fitness professionals to perform a proper movement assessment with the Overhead Squat Assessment (OHSA). The OHSA is "designed to assess dynamic flexibility, core strength, balance, and overall neuromuscular control" (1). There is evidence to support the use of transitional movement assessments such as the OHSA, which appears to be a reliable and valid measure of lower extremity movement patterns (1).
Taking the information observed in the OHSA and using it to design a program for an individual should be a minimal start to any exercise program. As stated above, if a client displays improper movement patterns and they are not addressed, exercising could lead to injury and keep them from exercising all together. Seeking out a health and fitness professional with the NASM credentials should be on your list when considering starting a new exercise regimen.
1. Clark, MA, Lucett, SC. NASM Essential of Corrective Exercise Training. 2011
BIOMechaniks: Train the mind and the body will follow
