Many people just simply don’t realize how important correct posture is for overall health, it doesn’t get as much recognition as exercising and eating right but having a straight spine is actually vital for lifelong wellness.
It’s fair to say that finding out how to fix your posture is an important process. Those who tend not to exercise much will eventually start to feel the negative effects of poor posture at an early age.
Correct posture aligns everything our body. Bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are all able to function at their optimal level when you sit or stand up straight with the correct posture.
We thought we would encourage you to get your posture in good order so you feel and look better, you might even gain a bit of height : )
Planks
When it comes to how to have good posture, a strong core is the most important element. The classic plank is a great core exercise that revives a multitude of muscles all at once. Planks can be quite an intense form of exercise as you are holding your own body weight but if done right it strengthens several abdominal muscles while also working the shoulders and back.
Crunch Twist
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head. As you exhale, lift your right shoulder off the floor, rotating toward the left. Inhale and lower your shoulder back to the floor. Repeat on the other side to complete one rep.
Dumbbell Side Bends
You’ll need at least one lightweight for this, but you can also use cans of soup if you don’t have weights.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your shoulders. Slowly bend to one side, then return to the starting position. You can do all reps on one side before doing the other or work both sides at once.
Back Extensions
Lie face down with your arms extended straight above your head. Keeping your head in line with your spine, gently lift your shoulders as far off the floor as possible, then return to the starting position.
Re-use two lightweights – one in each hand with your palms facing each other. Feet shoulder width apart. Bend slightly forward at the waist and soften the knees. With your head up and eyes facing forward, raise your arms to your sides until they are parallel with the floor. Elbows are slightly bent. Slowly lower arms to start position. Start with doing three sets of 10 reps each and increase over time if you can.
Shoulder Rolls
Proper sitting posture is important for everyone especially those of us that our sat stationary at a desk all day. This is a very easy stretch that can really help relieve tension and encourage improved posture.
The good news is you can do shoulder sitting or standing. Inhale and raise your shoulders toward your ears. Hold for a few seconds before exhaling and pulling your shoulder blades down and together. Repeat this five to 10 times at least twice a day.
