Julia Pilliar
Sitting up straight does more than appease our mothers’ promptings. Good posture balances muscle groups and decreases physiological stress; while slouching will worsen muscular imbalances (tight chest muscles and loose back and shoulder muscles), causing pain and decreased mobility later in life. So how do we improve our posture? Most importantly, THINK about having good posture several times a day. Also, try these 3 easy exercises daily:
1. Stand tall, roll your shoulders back and down. With your arms by your sides, palms facing in, reach your fingertips towards the floor behind you and hold for 30 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
2. Lie on your stomach, reach your arms towards your feet at a 45 degree angle away from your sides. Thumbs are pointing up towards the ceiling (or a little bit further!). Look at the floor, squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your chest off the floor while you reach your hands as far towards your heels as you can. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
3. Stand facing an open doorway. Roll your shoulders back and down and extend your arms to the sides, slightly below shoulder height. Walk through the doorway until your arms touch the frame. Lean or step forwards to feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold for 45 seconds, making sure to breathe deeply. Repeat 3 times.