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Oct 27, 2017 · The key to good posture is the position of your spine. Your spine has three natural curves - at your neck, mid back, and low back. Correct posture should maintain these curves, but not increase them. Your head should be above your shoulders, and the top of your shoulder should be over the hips.
- Jenna Jonaitis
- Reduced low back pain. Sitting or standing in a slouched position for prolonged periods of time stresses your lower back. More specifically, it puts pressure on the posterior structures of the spine, including the intervertebral discs, facet points, ligaments, and muscles, explains Strang.
- Fewer headaches. “Poor posture can contribute to tension headaches, due to increased muscle tension in the back of the neck. Often if we correct our posture, we can reduce muscle tension and improve our headaches,” says Strang.
- Increased energy levels. When your bones and joints are in correct alignment, it allows the muscles to be used as they’re intended, so you’ll have less fatigue and more energy, explains Griffith.
- Less tension in your shoulders and neck. A forward head posture puts strain on the upper back, shoulder, and neck areas. With proper alignment, the joints and ligaments are less stressed and less subject to chronic overuse, explains Griffith.
- Do a posture check. Share on Pinterest. Stand against a wall to check your posture. You should have less than 2 inches between the wall and your neck and back.
- Do Child’s Pose. Do 5 minutes of Child’s Pose, morning and night. Child’s Pose helps lengthen and stretch the spine, which is used to slouching after years of bad posture.
- Add Standing Forward Fold. Start with 2 minutes of Child’s Pose and then practice 30-second intervals of Standing Forward Fold for 4 minutes. This pose deeply stretches the hamstrings, stretches the hips, and can help release any tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Add Cat-Cow. Share on Pinterest. Follow this stretch sequence in the morning and at night: Hold the active Child’s Pose for 1 minute and the Standing Forward Fold for 2 minutes.
Jan 24, 2017 · Good posture is important to balance: by standing up straight, you center your weight over your feet. This also helps you maintain correct form while exercising, which results in fewer injuries and greater gains.
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Oct 18, 2023 · Having good posture can help you avoid common aches and pains in your back, neck and shoulders. Having a safe dynamic posture (especially when you’re working out or doing physical activity) can help prevent sports injuries. Maintaining healthy posture can reduce wear and tear on your joints, especially in your spine.
Apr 5, 2024 · 8 Posture Exercises To Sit and Stand Straighter. Simple exercises like wall angels and pelvic tilts can help keep your body in an optimal position — and help undo years of improper posture habits. If your shoulders are rounding, your back is slumping or your head is drooping, it’s time for a change.
Jul 13, 2023 · Building and maintaining good posture requires a mix of muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall balance. Get started with these 12 exercises.
