Posture & Digestion From a ST Johns Wood Personal Trainer

Good Afternoon

We’re getting a little personal today, but we can’t talk about core strength without today’s topic: digestion!

You might not realize it, but your posture (and core strength) have a HUGE impact on how you digest your food.

Here’s how:

1. Heartburn & Sluggish Digestion

Slouching after you eat can cause pressure in your abdomen, which can trigger acid reflux – which is when stomach acid squirts back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn.

Plus, there’s some evidence that slouching can slow down your intestines as food and waste move through your system.

2. Incontinence

Slouching can also increase the pressure inside your abdomen, which puts pressure on your bladder.

On top of that, hunching over makes it harder for your pelvic floor muscles to stand up against that pressure, which can lead to urine leaks.

3. Pooping

I told you we were going to get personal! The thing is, sluggish digestion can lead to constipation, bloating, and gas.

Your posture also plays a surprising role during bowel movements. Slouching can make it harder to go and may be linked with constipation – and even hemorrhoids if you strain.

Sitting with a neutral spine (think about elongating through your sides) and tipping forward slightly from the hips can help ease the “go.” So can placing your feet on a footstool so that your knees are higher than your hips (similar to squatting).

Just a few reasons to think about keeping your core strong, stable, and aligned!