Chiropractor reveals posture's affect on youth performance
Learn a variety of best practices and exercises to support posture for the under 50 crowd
Picture this: You're in peak form, ready to dominate on the field or court. But there's a hidden factor that might be holding you back – your posture.
Small changes can make a big difference to the way your body position settles over time.
Dr. Stephen Capobianco, a chiropractor of 20 years and a strength and conditioning coach, helps young athletes unlock their potential through healthy movement habits. Let's dive into his must-know Posture Stack for crushing goals and feeling your best.
Why Posture Matters – Especially When You're Young
Forget about standing up ramrod straight for hours. That "perfect posture" myth can actually be counterproductive! Here's why young athletes need to pay attention:
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Growth boost: Your spine and bones are still developing. Good posture habits support that process, so you can reach your full height and strength.
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Performance powerhouse: Your posture directly affects how well you can move. Imagine trying to nail that lacrosse shot with a hunched back – not ideal! Dr. Capobianco can show you positions that supercharge your power.
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Mind-body connection: Ever notice how a slouchy posture makes you feel? Now imagine stepping onto the field tall and confident! Your posture is a secret weapon for boosting your mood and game-day focus.
The Younger Athlete's Posture Stack (5 Simple Power-Ups)
"Young athletes" could be broadly defined. And even if you find yourself out of the range of considering yourself "young" or an "athlete," there are still some helpful takeaways. Here's Dr. Capobianco's stack of essentials. Think of these as tools for your body that unlock amazing benefits:
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Tech breaks: Screens are awesome, but they can glue you into cramped positions. Every hour, get up, move around, and give your body a reset.
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Eye push-ups: Yep, your eyes need exercise too! Grab a pencil and track it towards and away from your nose to promote healthy eye posture.
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Brueger's Postural Relief Position: This special stretch is like magic for counteracting that hunched-over feeling. Find it on YouTube, try it, and thank us later!
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Rib stacking: Your ribcage houses your power-breathing muscles! Learn to position your ribs correctly for better stamina and less tightness.
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CARS (Controlled Articular Rotations): Explore your joints' full range of motion. This is how you stay agile and prevent stiffness from sneaking in.
Playful and Powerful – The BodyStack Way
Don't stress about these being strict rules. Think of this as an opportunity to experiment! Try the above exercises, notice how they make you feel, and mix things up to find what works best for you.
Be bold and experiment with the exercises that support your personal body position.
Want to go deeper? Start adding to your BodyStack by browsing through our Stacks page, finding the stacks most relevant to your needs and training. These stacks can help you built a personalized plan to help you soar.
Get Ready to Thrive
If you know a young athlete, share Dr. Capobianco's advice and practices with them.
By taking charge of their posture now, they're not just chasing wins; they're investing in a stronger, healthier life both on and off the field.
Not a "young athlete anymore?" No problem. If you're closer to your 50s than your 20s, then Dr. Steven has some advice for you too.
