I just finished the book Presence by Amy Cuddy. If you have not seen her TED talk, I highly recommend it. Dr. Cuddy is a researcher who studies how our body language shapes our behavior. The book is filled with amazing evidence from her research* and a whole slew of others, about how our body position changes how we think and behave.
Sustainable weight loss is about keeping ourselves on course when detours pop up. You come to the end of a VERY long day and you planned on walking, but it is cold and rainy and all you want to do is go home and veg out on the couch. You are in the midst of a week of chaos in your life and you can’t even think of getting to the gym for strength training. You get on the scale and feel completely defeated because, despite your best efforts, it is two pounds up!
What if we could get derailed less and back on track easier? What if it was something with research behind it that was simple, free, and completely accessible to you in any moment? Would you try it? Even if it seemed a bit strange and unlikely to make a difference?
It turns out that when our body is in a position with shoulders and back rounded we feel less confident. We are less likely to make choices that are in line with what is most important to us.
But, when we stand with shoulders and chest open, we are more confident, more likely to stick with what is most important to us.
It is interesting that across many different cultures and situations, the most common expression of success is raising arms up in a “V”. We now have some evidence this may work in reverse too!
Give it a try! Next time you step in the scale, put your hands on your hips and stand like your favorite superhero! In the middle of a stressful day, stand or sit in alignment with your body strong. When you are tempted to skip exercise, stand or sit with your arms up in a “victory” position for two minutes.
Post what happens in the comments section below!
Keep Moving, Be Well
Janet
*You may have heard some news flashes years ago debunking Dr. Cuddy’s research. If you read her book, you will see that her study on power poses are just one in many showing there is something powerful in the way we hold our body. Research is tricky business and one study does not prove anything. Your best evidence is to try this for yourself and see how it works for you.
Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery. Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center
These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician.
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