An athlete’s ability to change positions at different speeds and for varying durations is crucial in almost all sports and this is primarily dependent on posture. Though posture may be stationary, it is typically dynamic and correct posture is vital for an athlete to move quickly or to maintain positions for a longer period of time. Efficient and economical movement is essential for athletes to move faster and conserve energy for later in their event. Poor posture leads to inefficient movements, which in turn require more work and energy, leaving less for later in the event. Athletes have to balance their training with their daily activities such as work, education, and family responsibilities. These activities affect their posture before they even start training. Coaches can either address the underlying issue of poor posture or continue with the usual training routine. Correcting poor posture takes time and adds more to the list of training priorities, while training with inefficient or weak postures can result in prolonged overload and lead to injuries.
What is posture?
Posture is commonly thought of as a stationary position when standing or sitting, as depicted in illustrations or still images. However, good posture is defined as the state of equilibrium between the muscles and skeletal system, which shields the body’s supportive structures from damage or deformation, regardless of the activity or rest position. The key point here is that posture isn’t limited to one stance. In fact, proper posture can be maintained while running, jumping, tumbling, diving, and tackling, among other activities. These small relevant modifications that allow for the correct position are referred to as postural sway. This implies that the body is consistently adapting to the surrounding environment to achieve the appropriate posture. The most significant challenge one faces daily is gravity, but it can also include adversaries, apparatus, surfaces, and technical specifications during athletics. For instance, when involved in rugby union, the player must uphold the appropriate posture to tackle while safeguarding their head. They need to adapt to factors such as the opponent’s size, speed, surface, and direction of travel.
How lifestyle affects our posture
Posture is significantly influenced by one’s lifestyle. Western culture commonly experiences sedentary behavior, where both adults and children spend most of their day sitting down. This may include sitting in a hunched position at work while using a desk or computer, slouching in a chair at school, or sitting while driving or being driven.
Although there is ample research on the link between a sedentary lifestyle and cardiovascular health issues as well as obesity, it’s important to note that prolonged sitting can also have an impact on one’s posture. In fact, poor posture can potentially result in low back pain, which is seemingly prevalent among school children, with estimates ranging from 20% to 51%.
There are various factors that increase the risk of experiencing low back pain, such as deficient abdominal muscles, extended periods of sitting, incorrect spinal alignment, and using school furniture that is not suitable for the child’s dimensions. It is evident that struggling with low back pain will not only restrict one’s ability to engage in sports but also compromise their sporting achievements.
How healthy foot posture can improve athletic performance
How does having a healthy foot posture affect athletic performance?
Proper foot function plays a vital role in different types of sports and fitness activities. Whether you’re playing football, basketball, jogging or lifting weights, good foot movement enables you to perform at your optimum level.
Having an ideal level of motion and flexibility in your feet and ankles enables you to execute running, jumping, and shifting weight more effectively. Thus, a sound foot posture can enhance your performance when playing sports or engaging in intense workouts.
Conversely, incorrect positioning of the feet can heighten the chances of developing maladies like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and afflictions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
What Is A Healthy Foot Posture?
Having a proper foot posture entails having a well-defined arch in the foot, the ideal degree of mobility in the big toe joint, and a uniform distribution of body weight. This enables one to effectively absorb shock upon landing after a leap or when shifting weight quickly between feet without enduring a great deal of discomfort.
A balanced weight distribution on the feet decreases the probability of overuse injury, leading to improved performance with greater ease and effectiveness thanks to a healthy foot posture.
Risk Factors of Poor Foot Posture
Incorrect foot posture, such as having flat feet, can result in uneven weight distribution which can lead to improper foot movements. This means that the likelihood of experiencing foot pain during physical activities such as running or playing sports is higher for individuals with poor foot posture.
When your foot posture is poor, it may limit the range of motion and flexibility in your foot and ankle, leading to heightened exhaustion and energy depletion. Poor foot posture can additionally bring about misalignment in your lower back, hips, knees, and ankles, which can significantly impact your athletic performance.
Insoles for Performance Improvement
Consistently participating in particular sports and workouts results in continuous pressure on your feet. A growing number of athletes and fitness enthusiasts now recognize the significance of optimal foot health and seek out foot insoles for support.
Athletes, sports experts, and fitness professionals all have confidence in foot insoles, which provide unparalleled levels of corrective support and comfort that can boost your athletic performance and expertise.
Insoles provide foot posture support during any activities, including tennis and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
