Anatomical question for the ladies

[JusticeZero]

All of the students I have taught, eventually I have to try to correct the posture of. Commonly, and particularly with the ladies that i've helped out so far, this includes some notice that the upper chest and ribs are being projected either straight backward or straight forward beyond the equilibrium point by the back, shoulders, and neck and causing muscle tension, often presumably for aesthetic purposes that have become habitual.

However, the center of mass and such is presumably going to be a bit different on a female who is carrying a bit of mass on that part of the body. Is there any specific differences in posture (presumably relatively subtle) between a relaxed and structure-based standing position for people with and without substantial amounts of female-specific body mass near the ribs?

[evergrey]

It's probably pretty unlikely that it's for aesthetic purposes. It's much more likely to be the body trying to adjust for the extra top-heavy weight in the front, because otherwise? Back pain. Not everything us women do is to benefit male gaze, heh!

Whether or not the posture of the lady in question is actually improper, I couldn't tell you without seeing it. The back gets pulled into a rounded position, curving forward and bowing the spine and shoulders. To compensate for the extra weight of the breasts (it's anatomy, we can handle discussing anatomy, yes?) sometimes women have to force their spine to tilt differently, and their shoulders back... buuuut going too far with that also isn't good. What does help is working those muscles!

[DWx]

Interesting question. Think it's a bit of both tbh. For aesthetics and for compensating for the weight. It's also probably not just the chest alone that causes this; wearing high heels all the time messes with your posture as you have to project forward to compensate.

you could always try simulating it? Get a small backpack and put it on your front and see what muscles compensate?

[evergrey]

LOL, you're male too right?

If I think about my posture, it's all about "what will make my back hurt the least" and "how will I remain balanced."

PS, I never wear heels. I am a terrible woman.

[DWx]

LOL, you're male too right?

If I think about my posture, it's all about "what will make my back hurt the least" and "how will I remain balanced."

PS, I never wear heels. I am a terrible woman.

Me?!? er female. Don't know whether it's a good thing or a bad thing I come across as male.

For the record I don't often wear heels either

[evergrey]

Haha maybe I'm the one who fails at thinking like a woman? I don't think about holding my back and shoulders a certain way all the time to look sexy, heh!

[Drew]

Well, so long as we are on female anatomy as it relates to martial arts, what is it like to get kicked in the groin, as a woman? I'm sure you ladies don't appreciate being hit there but have you ever been dropped by a kick to the groin?

[evergrey]

Haven't been dropped yet but I haven't got it full force either. It's not fun, heh!

[blacknebula]

I don't think about holding my back and shoulders a certain way all the time to look sexy, heh!

I know women who do the exact opposite - they are self-conscious and hunch all the time to draw as little attention to the area as possible. Of course, this isn't good for posture either, whether it be in martial arts or general life. Regardless of the cause, a good sports bra is important and can help a ton. I recently paid $60 for a Nike one; I was a little dubious but the first time I wore it to training I swore it was worth every penny!

[Shizentai]

Well, so long as we are on female anatomy as it relates to martial arts, what is it like to get kicked in the groin, as a woman? I'm sure you ladies don't appreciate being hit there but have you ever been dropped by a kick to the groin?

I've been kicked in the groin before, but if you don't get hit exactly at a certain angle it's no worse than any other delicate part of the body. I've really only had two super bad groin hits to be honest: once via wayward hockey puck in gym, and also once when I was a kid I fell off of a roof onto a porch railing. The hockey puck hurt like the dickens for a good long while, but the railing... good lord! ;_; I couldn't move, talk, inhale... it was unfortunate to say the least. Although I did not experience the accompanying nausea like I see many guys having, so I imagine I got off easy there.