Translations:Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Outreach/Christian Grooming & Manners/34/en

Sitting

Vertebral column showing healthy curvature

The spine has four normal curvatures. From top to bottom they are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral curves. The upper three of these should be aligned as shown in the image to the right when sitting. To get them into this position, do the following:

• Sit in a chair with your buttocks touching the back of the chair.
• Slouch forward (don't worry, we will correct this immediately!)
• Straighten up and accentuate the lumbar curve arching our shoulders back. Hold this position for a few seconds.
• Release and relax, drawing your abdomen back into a comfortable position, but with your shoulders still straight and back.
• Make sure your weight is distributed evenly on both hips.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be level with your hips or a bit higher. If you cannot do this and keep your feet flat on the floor, adjust your chair (if it is adjustable) or use a smaller chair.
• Do not cross your legs.