Who else but Spain’s Pedro Almodovar would show us examples of perfect posture?
I just watched his All About My Mother (1999) Golden Globe winner for best foreign language film. The actors all stand with long straight backs and they bend and stoop with long straight backs.
You don’t see this in the U.S. We’re cool. We slouch.
We didn’t used to slouch. I think it started in the 1950s. Maybe with James Dean.
I happen to have Alfred Hitchcock‘s Spellbound (1945) handy. A quick review of a few scenes, and what do I see? Straight backs, even when Ingrid Bergman bends over to put on her shoes.
In the U.S. we’re confused about what constitutes good posture.
Chest Inflated, Stomach Sucked is my father’s mantra. (I guess you’re supposed to hold your breath!) My father’s a member of the Greatest Generation, the ones who won WWII.
Buttocks Tucked, Abdomen Tight was my mantra until I read Ageless Spine, Lasting Health by Kathleen Porter.
My mantra now? Stomach Soft, Butt Wide!
Yes, really.
Ms Porter explains that the foundation of good sitting posture is in your hips spread wide. Now when I’m standing and bending over, I think Hips Wide and Strong.
Now I stick out my bum when I bend or stoop instead of trying to tuck it in and hide it. Your gluteous maximus are your biggest muscles—don’t be afraid to use them.
So, why can’t we bend over with straight backs? Because we’re not using our bums!
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