Slouch Less, Succeed More

By Lois Manzella-Marchitto, Fitness Knocking
You’ve got a future vision for yourself and ambition. Whether you’re leading a company or perhaps on your way to the top, one thing is certain: how you stand matters. That’s where the “CEO slouch” sneaks in, you know the rounded shoulders, forward head, aka “text neck” or as I call it “candy cane neck” that come from long hours at the computer, in meetings, or behind the wheel going to many MCCC networking events. It’s not only common, it's way more costly than you realize.

​Poor posture doesn’t just look unprofessional, it affects every body system including breathing, energy level, focus, confidence, and overall health span. You may be saying “well it’s not causing me pain now”, building a business that doesn’t have good systems will lead to long term disruption. Same with your health. There is a high long term price to pay for slouching.
 
Better Posture = Better Leadership
Posture shapes how you feel, how others perceive you, and how well your body performs. When you sit or stand tall, you breathe better, focus faster, and project confidence even in high-pressure situations. On the flip side, slouching can lead to chronic fatigue, brain fog, back pain, shallow breathing and not to mention problems in intimate situations. Yes, bad posture can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. 
 
Whether you’re walking into a pitch, preparing for a meeting, or trying to get through a back-to-back Zoom day, here’s one simple stretch that can reset your posture.  If you came to business connections in July, I talked about a quick chest stretch. If you want a refresher check it out. 
 
Standing Chest Opener
 

1. Stand up, feet hip-width apart.
   
   
2. Interlace your fingers behind your back.
   
   
3. Straighten your arms, gently lift your chest, and roll your shoulders back.
   
   
4. Inhale deeply exhale slowly while bending and straightening your arms. 
5. Repeat for 15–30 seconds.

 
This opens your chest, counteracts hours of sitting, and re-energizes your whole body. 
 
Want a seated option?
 
Desk-Ready Posture Reset
 

• Sit up straight on the edge of your seat, feet flat, and shoulders relaxed.
  
  
• Imagine your shoulder blades sliding into your back pockets.
  
  
• Lengthen your spine like you’re being pulled upward from the top of your head.
  
  
• Take three deep breaths.

 
There is a lot more to correcting posture but this is a good start. Just that small shift can help you feel more alert, confident, and in control.
 
Remember Wellness Starts at the Top
 
If you’re serious about your success and building a knockout team, posture awareness is a great place to start. The best leaders set the stage for success, and when you prioritize your well-being, your team is more likely to follow.