While some may see fashion as frivolous, the things we choose to wear can have a big impact on how we move through the world, actually changing our movement and our bodies. If you experience pain or discomfort and you’ve already tried adjusting your daily activities and posture, take a look at your closet. There might be culprits you hadn’t thought of before.
Restrictive clothing
Common offenders include skinny jeans, which restrict free movement in areas such as the hips and knees, affecting the way we hold our bodies. Restrictive clothing in general, can lead to a loss of the natural “bounce” with shock-absorbing qualities in your walk, causing pressure in your joints. Ensure you can move easily and naturally, and breathe fully in your clothing.
Handbags
Handbags are one of the biggest offenders of back pain and poor posture in women. Carrying a heavy bag habitually on one shoulder causes asymmetrical stress. Often, the shoulder is even hiked up higher toward the ear, because a lot of women unconsciously raise their shoulder when holding the bag, trying to prevent it from slipping off the shoulder. To correct this, consider:
Weight. Lighten up your bag! Carry only necessities with you, and look for handbags that are lighter materials to begin with. PVC and nylon are great lightweight options.
Placement. Periodically switch the arm with which you carry your bag to even out the weight load over time. Also consider where the bag hits when you walk. You don't want your purse so low that it knocks against your legs, but you also don't want the bag so high that you can't swing your arms — both create problems with your gait.
Bag type. A benefit of shoulder bags is that they are easy to move from side to side. A crossbody bag will distribute the weight more evenly across the body while carrying. Trendy backpack styles are excellent at even weight distribution, just make sure you keep the heaviest items closest to your back.
Posture. No matter what style of bag you use, be aware of your posture while holding it. Slide your shoulder down and back, and think about making your collarbones as broad as possible. Breathe down into your belly and tone your core slightly. Think of this as a chance to get your workout in without going to the gym!
High heels
Keeping your foot on a steep incline in heeled shoes puts more pressure on the ball of your foot. This can lead to bunions, or other conditions like turf toe - a sprain of the big toe joint from excessive upward bending. In addition, heels also shorten the calf muscle, which alters your gate and puts stress on your low back. High heels alter the alignment of your entire body, placing you in a forward propulsion. The back muscles engage to pull you upright, which not only affects your low back, but your neck and shoulders as well. Opt for heels under 2” or, if higher heels are an indispensable part of your wardrobe, choose platform heels so the actual incline of your foot is less steep.
Backless shoes
Ok, so you know high heels aren’t great for your posture, but there’s no harm in flats right? Problem solved! Not so fast. Be wary of backless flats like mules, particularly if you have to do a any walking. There's not much arch support, and they don't stay on your feet, which means you're probably scrunching your toes while you walk to keep the shoes secure. Backless shoes should only be worn occasionally, and never for walking or commuting.
