Posture

There are so many reasons why you’d want – and need – good posture. Proper posture prevents injuries by decreasing the stress on muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints. You also find that people who have poor back posture end up with back problems, like herniated disc. One of the most non-medical benefits of having great posture is that it can make you look more fit and more attractive.

Luckily, you do have some control over the health of your spine – you can stand straighter, sleep on a better mattress and keep an eye out for neck and back strain.

poor-posture

POSTURE MISTAKES

1) Sitting down at a desk and working ob a computer all day can cause serious issues with our health – not just our posture. Our bodies weren’t designed to be stationary for too long sitting at a desk. Bodies were designed for movement.

2)  A lot of people slouch or tilt their head while talking or texting on a phone – depending on how much or how often you do either, this can have a significant impact on our posture.

3) The same goes for slouching while driving. If you’re commute (trains and planes too!) to work is lengthy, your posture is taking taking a beating.

4) Using your back to bend forward while lifting things from floor or brushing teeth.) You should always hinge from the hips when bending – keeping your weight toward your heels –  to engage the muscles that protect the natural “S” curve of your spine and prevents the “C” curve that’s bad for your posture.

5) Stress can be really bad. Really really bad! Bad for your physical and mental health and now your spine too! Some stress is good for us, but if stress is a constant part of your life it can create tension in the muscles you use the most, the same muscles that affect your posture and cause you to slouch.

POSTURE FIXES

1. Get a standing desk – or improvise – because your goal should be more movement… don’t just stand there! Maintain good posture and your muscles are your body will enhance circulation. If you have a desk job, make sure you’re doing these stretches!

3-stretches-for-desk-jobs

2. Do stretches and exercises that cause you to move. They open and lengthen the muscles in your chest, forearms and biceps and the large muscles in the front and sides of your hips. Try reaching upwards while doing lunges. Perform exercises for the upper body that simulate rowing or pulling. Seated rows or standing rows and pull-ups are good options! Spine twists are another great way to strengthen those muscles that encourage good posture.

spine-twist

4. Snap a photo of yourself with good posture and bad posture next to each other around your house or on your desk – anywhere you can easily see them be reminded to correct your posture. Simply recognizing the difference in your appearance will help incentivize you to work on your posture.

5. Use tools and clothing, such as lumbar support pillows, seat wedges, sport bras and shirts that help to maintain normal spinal curves when sitting and train your upper back and core muscles to become stronger and more posture fit.

 

 

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