Thread: Posture Assessment at the University

Getting this done, probably the upcoming Monday. Just wondering if there's anything in particular anyone can recommend I be aware of. I've done some "basic" reading on the subject, and have a fair idea, but I'd like to get an objective look at things. So, is there anything I should ask or be on the lookout for?

Also gonna be doing a body fat test. Pretty excited to finally get that done. Anyone care to start a pool re: the %? I'm betting... 23. I can provide a very recent photo if it helps.

Edit: Click here for a frontal pic. Be warned, I still look like a half-melted marshmallow. A furry one.

No idea, but please share details when you have them. Good luck!

that's cool the university offers this. I've done postural assessments as it pertains to motion (ie, doing lunges, or single leg balances while holding a dowel in line from your tailbone to your skull). Some will also assess shoulder mobility, because that, also can be a factor in your posture. 23-25% sounds about right for body fat. Do you know how they are going to be measuring this (skinfold test, under water, BOD POD)?

Originally Posted by FunctionalTrain

that's cool the university offers this. I've done postural assessments as it pertains to motion (ie, doing lunges, or single leg balances while holding a dowel in line from your tailbone to your skull). Some will also assess shoulder mobility, because that, also can be a factor in your posture. 23-25% sounds about right for body fat. Do you know how they are going to be measuring this (skinfold test, under water, BOD POD)?

Yep. I'm really looking forward to the posture assessment. I spent much of my time sitting, or drinking, haha. That's how I got all marshmallowy. But I wonder if my posture is doin' alright. From what I understand there's a bunch of dynamic assessments, and a fancy machine, and such. And then he'll recommend some stretches/exercises I can work into my routine to correct anything that's wrong.

For bodyfat, I'm getting skinfold done. I have some digital calipers I occasionally use at home, but I understand it takes a good deal of practice to use them properly, so I figure why not pay the $30 to get it done professionally. My aim is to work really hard all summer, and then have another skinfold test done. Previously, (since I began weight training), I find that thought I am "doing everything right", I am not losing any weight. Sometimes I even gain. So at the very least it'll be a great comfort to know that say, I stayed at 195 lbs but lost 6% body fat.

Figure there's no reason to bother with hydrostatic weighing until I'm much farther along in my goals, if at all. A skilled skinfold reading is nearly as accurate, or superior, depending on who you talk to, and how fit you are.

Originally Posted by [Focus]

A skilled skinfold reading is nearly as accurate, or superior, depending on who you talk to, and how fit you are.

Exactly. You also have to make sure the same person assesses you at the end of the summer. What kinds of things are you doing for weight training? I think more people should be interested in assessment, as well personal trainers who keep up with consistent assessment of their clients. For one, it gives clients an idea where they are at in respect to where they want to be, and it great motivation.

Keep at it, and good luck!

Originally Posted by FunctionalTrain

You also have to make sure the same person assesses you at the end of the summer.

Yup yup.

Originally Posted by FunctionalTrain

What kinds of things are you doing for weight training?

I'm currently following Joe Defranco's Westside For Skinny Bastards III, which is a 4 day upper/lower split routine with one max effort upper day, one max effort lower day, one repetition upper day, and one dynamic lower day. So far I'm finding it much superior to the 3x/wk FB I was doing before. Overall, though, I'm pretty new to training, so I'm still in the beginner stage. Hence my concern for tracking.

Originally Posted by FunctionalTrain

I think more people should be interested in assessment, as well personal trainers who keep up with consistent assessment of their clients. For one, it gives clients an idea where they are at in respect to where they want to be, and it great motivation.

Keep at it, and good luck!

Yeah, from what I understand, now is a great time for me to be getting my posture checked out. I've read that when starting weight training, particularly for someone who was in my situation (lots and lots of sitting down work), it's a very good idea to make sure your posture checks out first. Otherwise you end up training your body to work with bad posture rather than correcting it.

And thanks. I'll be shocked if my posture's great, but hopefully there's nothing too seriously wrong either.

I'm still looking for a place to get my bf% tested. Love the tags BTW LOL

Originally Posted by theGOOCH

Love the tags BTW LOL

Heheheheh.

Yeah, check out a local school's physiology department. They often offer something, afaik. Here there are lots of places to get it done, but I don't trust most of them. Also I get a pretty hefty student discount.

Edit: But either way, the prices are often quite reasonable. Especially if you're willing to let a student watch. What can I say, I'm an exhibitionist.

I would imagine they would have a postura board for static analysis. Using the plumb line to assess if there is any head poking, excessive kyphosis or lordosis, and rounded shoulders.

Actually there is an ideal posture, what are you on?

So your saying there is no ideal posture, no optimal posture that enhances efficiency and minimises stress and strain.....?

No need for reference use your head, instead of your fallace logic..

I think what he is saying is that there are no people out there with perfect posture, not that a perfect posture in theory doesn't exist. But that's just how I interpret it.

Just a quick question on the subject area!

Does anyone know of any posture analysis courses up and running in england.

Done parts but would like a full refresher and spefically aimed at posture analysis

No one said anything about fixing pain, the efficacy of many techniques that aim to fix or reduce pain is minimal. The key is prevention, with posture being a key variable (contrary to what your 'logic' seems to suggest). Come to think of it, you haven't even used your own logic, you've just copied what someone else has composed on some trashy looking site.

Assuming that the Earth is flat is illogical not logical, what would a spherical-like Earth look like?

Don't worry it was a rhetorical question.

I agree about the fitness industry jumping on the posture bandwagon and that posture pain is often multifactorial, however denying an ideal posture bewilds me and there is a defenite role for appropriate health professionals in regards to improving/correcting posture such as functional scoliolis.