Posture

How the term is used

There is no single perfect posture for every person or task. Posture changes with movement, environment, anatomy, fatigue, comfort, and function.

Why it matters

It supports a less rigid approach to alignment and avoids fear-based posture messaging.

Where this comes up

• Guide Yoga for Beginners: What Yoga Is, How It Works, and Where to Start
• Guide Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Guide to Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Life
• Guide Meditation for Beginners: How to Start Without Trying to Empty Your Mind
• Guide What Is Mindfulness? A Practical Guide to Being More Present in Everyday Life
• Blog post What Is Yoga? The Difference Between Yoga and Exercise
• Blog post Do You Have to Be Flexible to Do Yoga?

Related terms

• Proprioception

  The body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space without relying only on vision.

• Range of Motion

  The amount of movement available at a joint or across a movement pattern.

• Nociception

  The nervous system process of detecting potentially harmful mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli.

• Muscle Tone

  The ongoing low-level activity or tension present in muscles even when they are not producing a large movement.

• Muscle Tension

  A general term for increased muscular contraction, stiffness, or the sensation of tightness.

• Motor Control

  The nervous system’s organization and coordination of movement to accomplish a task.

• Mobility

  The ability to move a joint or body region through an available range with control.

• Kinesthesia

  Awareness of body movement, especially the sensation of movement through space.