“Posture is less about what we look like and more about how we function.”

Dr. Rebecca Rizk

Posture is something we are continually engaging in on a day to day basis whether it be sitting at a desk, standing, lying down at night, or moving while working out. If you really think about it everything you do your body is engaged in a specific posture. As humans we rarely think about posture until we are faced with some types of aches, stiffness, and pain that demand postural correction.

I want to share 4 simple techniques you can apply to your daily routine to improve your posture and prevent future health problems.

#1 Shoulder Roll

• Start with one shoulder, gently pull it up towards you ears then back as far as it can go, and then allow it to drop down.
• Repeat this on the other shoulder.
• The shoulder roll will help with blood circulation, improve motion in the shoulder joint, and allow for deeper breathing.

#2 Align The Head and The Shoulders

• Make sure your ears are directly above your shoulders.
• Your neck is gently pulled back.
• The forehead is raised up and the highest point of the body.
• The chin is relaxed downwards.

#3 Lengthen The Spine

• When you’re siting down or standing, stop and take a deep breath in, and without curving your spine, stand as tall as you possible can.
• While you maintain that same position and height, take a deep exhalation.
• This exercise is a great way to lengthen you spine, while strengthening you abdominal muscles.

#4 Contract Your Glutes

• While you’re walking, squeeze those glutes with each step you take.
• Having strong and engaged glutes supports and protects your lower back from injury.

Poor posture means that unnecessary weight is being placed on your joints, muscles, and ligaments. Not only will this cause unwanted pains and aches, overtime it will results in more severe health conditions of the respiratory and digestive system.

If you spend a lot of time sitting down, its very important to get up and move around, ideally once every 20-30 minutes.