Breathing Your Way to Better Posture

Did you know your posture directly impacts how well you breathe? Try this simple test—slump forward with your shoulders rounded and take a deep breath. Now, sit up tall with your head up and shoulders back and try again. Notice the difference? Maintaining proper posture gives your lungs more space to expand, allowing for deeper, more efficient breaths.

How Your Breath Impacts Your Body

Breathing isn’t just about getting oxygen; it affects multiple aspects of your health, such as

• Athletic Performance—A proper stance allows for optimal oxygen intake, fueling endurance and power. Some research has found that triathletes often experience energy depletion due to their forward-flexed posture, which reduces oxygen efficiency during cycling.
• Emotional Well-Being—Shallow breaths may send your body into “fight or flight” mode, increasing feelings of stress and anxiety. On the other hand, deeper breaths encourage relaxation, helping regulate your nervous system and improve mental clarity.
• Metabolism—Efficient breathing supports oxygen intake and helps regulate stress hormones, which play a role in metabolic function. When your body receives adequate oxygen, it processes nutrients more effectively, supporting a healthier metabolism.

“Good posture and proper breathing go hand in hand. When you align your body correctly, you’re not just standing tall—you’re fueling every cell with the oxygen it needs to thrive.” – Dr. Dorian Swystun 

How the Way You Breathe Affects Posture

Just as posture impacts your breath, how you breathe influences your ability to maintain proper alignment. The key structures that support both include:

• Diaphragm—the primary muscle responsible for contracting to draw air into the lungs and expanding to push air out
• Intercostal Muscles—located between the ribs, these muscles help expand and contract the rib cage, supporting deep and efficient transfer of air
• Rib Cage—houses the lungs and heart; proper movement of the ribs and spine allows for unrestricted breathing and better posture

Our chiropractors focus on restoring optimal joint function through Advanced Activator® adjustments and movement guidance. Improving the mechanics of these key structures helps you maintain a strong carriage and healthy breathing habits.